ELI5. Why do active noise cancelling headphones/earbuds not protect your hearing?

Question

for example, you’re in a loud train station or in a place with loud tools but you hardly hear anything with noise cancelation. why is this not considered hearing protection?

In: 3

Answer 1

NC make opposing soundwaves but don’t physically block noises. Fast cars, trash trucks make vibration I can feel when they pass. I’d need to physically block (earplugs) to reduce, measured in db on the package.