I am, yes. It's an ability I've used sparingly, but it's been particularly useful when passing through the noisier streets.

[ The number of times Alhaitham had used it to dim the noise of a crowd in passing was... non-zero, to put it shortly. ]

In my case, yes. I prefer having the mental space to think over my work thoroughly without any distractions. Though I have found faint instrumental music or more natural ambient noise to be acceptable while I work. I realize it's not for everyone though.

[ Though the latter was more because it was difficult to escape it. ]