*Introductory Chapter: Management of Noise Pollution DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110833*

sounds from a certain acoustic environment received by human ear. These sounds can be divided into three major groups: biophony, geophony and anthrophony [14]. Soundscapes can be classified. The most common classification is the one with respect to the related environment, i.e., we can differentiate: natural soundscapes

#### **Figure 3.**

*Typical equipment for the soundwalk method.*

**Figure 4.** *Mind map of noise pollution management.*

(e.g., marine, forest soundscape, etc.), rural soundscapes and urban soundscapes (**Figure 2**) [14].

Soundscapes are usually recorded using the soundwalk method which was introduced by an urban planner Kevin Lynch. The usual recording of a soundscape has the duration of 30 min. Recording takes place several times a day, for several days, however, always at a nice and dry weather. The soundwalk method uses a recorder, and a pair of binaural microphones places in the ears of the person who is performing the soundwalks, i.e., soundwalker (**Figure 3**) [15, 16].

Soundscapes are analysed in most cases using several types of questionnaires which are fulfilled by listeners or participants in studies. Possible questionnaire designs can include direct questions to listeners about the soundscape, requirements for a more detailed descriptions of the soundscape and attributes that may or may not be related to mathematical scales and adjective pairs [17–20].

Nowadays soundscape studies are oriented toward human health, well-being and overall quality of life [21–24].

Bearing in mind everything written, it can be concluded that noise pollution and its management is a very complex problem which needs an interdisciplinary approach. Experts such as urban planners, architects, doctors, biologists, psychologists as well as acoustic engineers should all collaborate and benefit from each other's work with a common cause to improve the overall quality of life. By working together, it is achievable to manage and reduce noise pollution and moreover recuperate the human health and well-being of the residents, especially the ones living and working in urban areas (**Figure 4**).
