system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Can loud noises block other noises?

If when sound is made, it is made in the form of waves that we hear, can the waves block each other?  For example: if a balloon is popped in a noisy room, is it "quieter" than if it is popped in a quiet room.  (and not "quieter" in the sense that you perceive it less, I mean is the actual wave lessened)?
gpt
Yes and no. Noise can be cancelled when a similar noise consisting of the same frequency and amplitude is played 180 degrees out of phase. This is how noise cancelling headphones work. While ambient noise is likely to have some of the frequencies you are trying to cancel, the noise itself wont attenuate much of the balloon popping. On the other hand, if you are being exposed to a loud environment, your ears will become less sensitive for a short time.