I wonder if it comes down to the intentional, sustained focus of ones attention?

Or how does an open office compare to listening to music?

For me I sometimes use music to mollify ruminative thoughts or feelings that intrude and distract me. Which results in a net increase in focus. Similar for the din of the open office.

When I need deep thinking time both background noise and music are too interruptive or distracting and I need full silence. But I don’t require that level of focus all the time.