Best options for office noise reduction

[Durham68]

My company recently moved to a new office and transitioned us out of individual offices to a low-walled cubicle environment. The noise level is normally fine but a nearby printer and the binding machine can get obnoxious when the admin staff is printing/assembling reports. Even during document production, it's primarily an issue when I need to focus on writing or am under a tight deadline. On the rare occasion that everything comes together at the same time, I'd like little more than to kick the printer out the window. Noise canceling headphones (playing music) over a pair of earpro plugs works great, but I can't write while listening to music.

For those times, what is the best option for noise reduction?

Does anyone make 33db rated earmuffs with noise cancelling?

[MarkD]

Some people say they can't concentrate while listening to music, but they really can't listen to vocals. How about instrumentals? My go-to when trying to focus is Gregorian chants, since I don't understand Latin.

[randy]

Some people say they can't concentrate while listening to music, but they really can't listen to vocals.

Same here. I have an MP3 list of just instrumentals for when I need to concentrate and to block noise at the same time.

You might also consider "environmental" sounds (rain, ocean surf, etc). I prefer instrumentals but whatever works for you

[Durham68]

Thanks guys! I'll try it.

Now I just have to see which works better, headphones over earplugs or earmuffs over earbuds.

[Weetabix]

Baroque chamber music. I like Correlli. Bach can be a little too stimulating.

[Greg]

Yeah all you need is less prominent, or less comprehensible, vocals.

[Durham68]

Tried it with a few songs I have in my playlist. Steve Martin on the banjo isn't going to cut it. Have to look around at home.

Looks like headphones over earplugs means my neighbors will be listening along with me whenever the printer stops. Haven't tried the other way yet.

[Greg]

Tried it with a few songs I have in my playlist. Steve Martin on the banjo isn't going to cut it. Have to look around at home.

Looks like headphones over earplugs means my neighbors will be listening along with me whenever the printer stops. Haven't tried the other way yet.

Earbuds. That, or full studio-monitor over-ear style. You might not need to double them up with plugs.

[Yogimus]

Give the printer murder idea more thought.

[blackeagle603]

I take my hearing aides out. Same as at home when it's girl's night in and estrogen descendants & friends are squealing while watching America's Next Top Model or Dancing with the Stars.