No. Noise-cancellation technology uses microphones to detect noise, which in turn signal a computer (connected with a loudspeaker) to produce an equal and opposite sound wave. This sound wave is projected in the same direction as the noise, which eliminates it.

Noise cancellation is effective for continuous, low-frequency sounds such as engines and traffic. Its applications are limited because the noise source and the listener must always be in the same position for the effects to be experienced. Cancellation is not useful in the office because it can’t address the variable and high-frequency nature of speech, or the movement of employees.

Noise-cancelling headphones – a popular item these days – are used to eliminate background sound. That makes surrounding conversations easier to hear.