Re:I've started wearing earplugs (Score 2)

Practically every open office of any size I've been in has exceeded OSHA standards for noise at least part of the time (you can test this yourself on the cheap by downloading an app (from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topi...) but in general: if you have to raise your voice to be heard over the ambient noise the noise level is unsafe). Limits are lower if you are exposed more than eight hours.

Having an area identified as high noise creates work for employers. The have to track noise levels, test employee hearing annually, provide hearing protection for free (this can be really crapping plugs though), and provide assorted training,

You can use these requirements to strike back at employers that restrict hearing equipment. OSHA has no sense of humour at all when it comes to denying employees access to personal protective equipment.