An automatic noise control system and method for a helmet with a rigid shell that is configured to spatially divide a shell interior from a shell ambiance include generating in connection with at least one loudspeaker disposed in the shell interior anti-sound in the shell interior based on at least one input signal. The anti-sound is configured to attenuate sound occurring in the shell interior through destructive superposition. The system and method further include providing the at least one input signal by at least one of picking up sound in the vicinity of the loudspeaker in the shell interior, picking up vibrations of the shell, and picking up sound in the vicinity of the shell exterior.