[salannelson]

Does ENC actually protect your ears from sound (like earplugs would)? Or does it just "fool" your ears into making the environment sound quiet without any actual protection?

The reason I'm asking is because my dad is a pilot and he owns an ENC headset for the plane. I'm just curious if they atually protect your ears from damage...

If I'm not making this clear just ask and I'll try to explain it better. I'm not the best at articulation...

 

[ThePredator]

Noise cancellation does provide protection under conditions it is designed for.

I am also a pilot using ENC (I have a Lightspeed headset) and engine noise in small planes is definitely a situation where noise cancellation is more effective than passive techniques (both for comfort and safety).

[EDIT]: If you want to learn how it technically works, look up wave interference.