Description:
<jats:p>In spite of the tremendous body of knowledge on the effects of noise on the various aspects of an individual's physical and psychological well being, the quantitative significance of noise to the individual's integrated well being and to society as a whole has hardly been defined. Society's general effort to stem the tide of increasing noise pollution and to work for a quieter environment needs support from the scientific community for sound and cost effective strategies and actions. This summary reviews applications of the research progress presented in this session to recent critical U. S. Governmental decisions to protect society from noise, outlines significant technical progress, and suggests research needs in the area under discussion to support an effective noise control program.</jats:p>