Almost 7 years later after my opening post. Thank you, everyone, who has joined in on the thread.
I still suffer from noise sensitivity and occasional hypersensitivity. Physical sensory overload is still a pain in the ask. I can't touch any soft foam, certain fabrics and textures still freak me out. The sensation is overwhelming. More on the OCD side - I can't get my hands sticky/oily/gritty or I start to freak out if I don't get them cleaned SOON. Visual overload isn't as much of a problem anymore. Before, looking at a wall of products at a store would overwhelm me. Now it is not as bad USUALLY. OCD tendencies about visual stuff can be a problem still. Patterns get me - if it is supposed to be symmetrical, it needs to be symmetrical. If it is supposed to be asymmetrical, it needs to be asymmetrical. Examples: a picture on the wall needs to be level. A desk needs to be square with the wall. A pattern on the carpet that alludes to being asymmetrical, needs to be actually asymmetrical - repeating patterns can trip this up.
One way I have found to cope with the noise is a pair of Bluetooth wireless active noise canceling headphones.
Admins, If I have broken the rules please delete this paragraph. - We are not supposed to link products from outside this site so I won't link. I will mention the headphones I did buy without the link or mention where I got them, which I think is legal here - Bluedio T4 Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones. The only reason I mention the brand is it is a great deal, and very effective for those who suffer from noise sensitivity. So many brands/items are of poor quality or not very effective.
They were only $33 (normally $57) on sale and are the best pair I've ever had (which is good). I did extensive Google searches for the best low-cost Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones and found the pair I bought. They are as good as earplugs without the speaking, breathing and swallowing noises earplugs cause. If I want to, I can connect them to my phone and stream music. They are not good for streaming video because of lag though. The headphones block out noises like airconditioning and fans, machinery, background noises from crowds and such which is a lot more noise than most people realize. I can still hear people talk around me, which they are designed for and is both good and bad depending on the circumstances. Just having them on blocks out some noise. Turning them on blocks out much more noise. I use them often and have them with me almost always when I leave the house. They have an advertised 13 hr battery time but have never timed this. I keep them charged "just in case". I'll be using them for something as simple as this upcoming Thanksgiving day at my son's house.
The reduced noise levels are more of a relief than I can put into words.
