Popping a balloon can generate the same amount of noise as a high-powered shotgun going off, say researchers at Canada's University of Alberta. In fact, firing a bullet from a 12-gauge shotgun is actually a bit quieter than the bang from a balloon that's blown up until it explodes."
You know what makes me nuts about my T? I've ALWAYS hated and avoided loud noises. Fireworks I've always covered my ears, popping balloons has been a fear of mine since childhood. I avoid loud sudden noises like the plague. But after all my avoidance, (and I avoided them because I don't like them, not because of the T) I become the one with T. Makes me angry!