Comment by Cthulhu_

I'd agree in general terms, but I don't think city life or existing in busy and noisy spaces is either. Isolating as described (by putting on noise-canceling earphones) is a way to manage and reduce sensory input to something within your own control.

Some people are comfortable with that, some people (say they) are used to it, but a lot of people find that blocking it out works better for them.