The invention relates to a sound absorber comprising a housing with an inlet for connection with the exhaust gas line of a suction gripper, the housing comprising at least one elastic segment comprising at least one though hole, and also to a process of sound absorption for a suction gripper. The application of pressurized exhaust gas to the elastic segment leads to its expansion and to enlargement of the opening of the through hole. The expansion and/or the elasticity of the elastic segment in which the through hole is arranged, and the passing of the exhaust gas through the opened through hole in the elastic segment reduce the sound emitted along with the exhaust gas.