I believe that it is simply because young people rule the roost these days and so many of them have empty heads that they have to fill it with noise.

In a restaurant I often ask that the muzak be turned down. 9 times out of 10 they will. If they won't I leave. They need me more than I need them.

If the next table is annoying me, I ask for a change of tables.

I also have a pair of shooter's ear protectors which I will use if I am driven to it.