Sounds I choose let me create my own auditory environment, one that suits how I want to feel. Sounds my co-workers choose, don't.

Ive got in-ear noise cancelling headphones and they're amazing. I often come up for air to hear a debate going on not far from me. Because they're noise cancelling I can set the volume lower than I would otherwise.

Edit: I play music I know well so it doesn't distract. My wife uses rain/wave sounds. White noise would work for others.