I can see both sides of this. I love a quiet house, but I like to listen to podcasts (via earbuds, which go with me from room to room) while doing mindless/boring tasks around the house. My husband would probably have music on all the time if I weren't home, but he limits it to quiet instrumental stuff on weekend mornings (which I enjoy for a while, tolerate for a while longer, and usually by the time my tolerance is wearing thin he's turning it off anyway) and who-knows-what in his headset while working (works from home) or exercising. He used a headset at work when he worked in an office, so he just naturally kept using it at home, too. No discussion between us was required for that, but I like his decision.
On the other hand, my husband prefers a quiet car, while I like having music or podcasts playing after conversation has dwindled. On a long trip, after we've run out of things to talk about, I sometimes listen to something with my earbuds if I'm not the one driving. Thankfully, he prefers to drive, so it's rare that I'm driving in silence and boredom! But only when we get to the point where there is really just nothing left to say. We're both introverts, so that doesn't take long. :-)
So for us... earbuds are the answer. However, we only use them during times when conversation is not possible (he's working in another room) or has been exhausted (long road trip). I think we have both nonverbally agreed that listening exclusively to something while someone else is available for conversation is rude, at least to us. I guess the down side to having your husband use earbuds all the time is that he might be less likely to engage with you than he would if he could hear you just as well as the tv in the background. I'm not sure what the solution is for that.
Anyway, I hear you. I'd rather put up with the boredom of doing mindless tasks in silence than be subjected to tv all day long. I find it hard to think when there's constant noise. I hope you and your husband can find a good compromise. It's a good sign that he has made some compromises already. If you can find a way to meet him halfway, it sounds like he'd be receptive. Also, it might be worth discussing your concerns about your potential future children inheriting his tv habit. He may not see it as a negative thing, so that would be something to sort out before kids come into the picture.