EPFL researchers have developed a 100% effective, ultra-thin active noise cancelling system that uses an ionized air plasma propulsion system instead of speakers. A 17mm (0.6 inch) thick layer can block 20 Hz noise as well as a 4m (13 ft) thick wall.
The fact that the article talks about how cheap they are to produce makes me suspect that whatever company ultimately sells them is going to mark it up to hell and back.
What part of living in a country where producing a bottle of Insulin costs about $4 and a month supply for a patient is about $3,000 a month caused you to think that?