**Abstract**

Nowadays, each individual is exposed to noise on a daily basis, and noise is often referred as in literature as a plague of modern society. Noise pollution is often overlooked when compared to other environmental pollutions (e.g. air, water, soil pollution). However, same as the all aforementioned pollutions, noise exposure has an accumulating character, meaning that the harmful effect of noise is detected only after a long period of time. Long exposure to noise pollution can be displayed as a bad mood, fatigue, insomnia, headache and loss of concentration, which causes reduced work ability and ultimately permanent hearing impairment. The goal of this chapter is to present two different approaches (traditional and contemporary) in noise reductions. The aim of both approaches is to link objective and subjective acoustic parameters, in order to plan future urban infrastructures while keeping in mind the existing acoustic environments, and to create and implement new solutions that will design, preserve and improve acoustic environments. Thus, we can conclude this chapter will be oriented towards human health and overall quality of life in terms of noise reduction.

**Keywords:** noise, noise pollution, noise reduction, acoustic parameters, noise barriers, soundscape

## **1. Introduction**

Noise pollution is defined as any disturbing or unwanted noise that affects or deteriorates human or wildlife. Although noise constantly surrounds us, noise pollution generally receives less attention than, for example, water quality and air quality concerns, because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled. Nonetheless, it is an indisputable fact that noise has a negative impact on everyday life especially if we observe urban areas. This chapter presents two ways of dealing with noise pollution in terms of reducing its levels. One is a more traditional approach and the other a more modern and very popular today with many directions and ways of implementations. The first major section will describe noise barriers with all their advantages and disadvantages, while in the second major section, soundscape approach will be discussed. The common goal of both approaches and of this chapter is to address the problem of noise pollution while bearing in mind the overall quality of life especially in urban areas.
