You have basically six options:
1. put up with it and try to ignore it (I personally never settle for that one)
2. put in earplugs (some are actually comfortable: I like the Mac silicone ones)
3. put in so-called noise-canceling earphones
4. put in noise-cancelling earphones AND earplugs (good combo)
5. listen to music yourself
6. ask the perp in no uncertain terms that despite all your paraphernalia you can still hear or feel the beat from his/her music. You can actually start with this option right off the bat. It works rather well most of the time in my experience, but be prepared first for a totally bewildered look because he/she cannot conceptualize what your problem is, followed by a hostile, sulking and sometimes passive-aggressive attitude. Pretending to be slightly angry works well, too. These selfish bullies deflate fast when you show yourself that you’re determined to have some peace. If need be, don’t be afraid to be belligerent and call on the stewardess. Making a scene is effective because these idiots don’t like to be shamed in public (the same goes for loud mouths on cell phones, but that’s another chapter altogether).

In short, don’t put up with the abuse and be loud about it. Most people will back down rather than deal with a possible confrontation.

J.J.

Like you Darren I haven’t ever suffered with noise nuisance other than the engines.

I would get some headphones yourself and relax listening to your favourite music, or an audio book on the destination your visiting.

Screaming kids can be a nightmare.

I still don’t understand how anyone can hear music from someones headphones when there on a plane. All I hear is aircraft noises and people speaking, never noise from headphones.