I need quiet as much as music sometimes so help me please

I know nothing about headphones. Mostly because to me they feel uncomfortable and restricting after about
10 minutes of use. But I need something while flying that will knock out as much noise as possible. I use
foam earplugs and they help. Now I am ready to spend what it takes. Questions-
-Is noise cancelling a viable concept?
-Brands to focus on- Sony, JCV and Bose- or so I have been told. Others?

I am having trouble finding any ratings of db reduction specs. Do they exist?

Anyone been down this way lately?

Thanks