I'm sensitive to loud noise and I'm a football manager. My main job is filming practices, which requires me to stand right next to the loudspeaker. They actually had me in the weight room on day 1. I lasted about 2.5 seconds. Earplugs are lifesavers. Walmart sells them in the Ear Care aisle, and I've seen ones that are made for gun enthusiasts in Cabela's, etc.
I think part of the reason it's a common autistic trait is because we can't tune things out unless we're hyperfocused. In allistic people, nerves stop sending signals after a while because the sensory information hasn't changed so there's no need to keep being aware of it. Autistic people's nerves keep firing. While allistic people will, for example, not notice their socks throughout the day unless they slip down into their shoe, a lot of autistic people are aware of their socks all the time. This is fine as long as the socks are comfortable, but if they're scratchy or not the right kind for the weather they can be a constant nuisance. That's just one example.
Sensory issues for me are worse when I'm sleep-deprived, menstruating (sorry but it's true), and/or stressed. Recently I've learned that grief makes things worse as well.