Editing Noise pollution (section)

==Noise control==
{{Main|Noise control}}
[[Image:TullamarineFwy.jpg|thumb|The [[CityLink]] [[CityLink#New freeways|sound tube]] in [[Flemington, Victoria|Flemington]], [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], is designed to reduce [[roadway noise]] without detracting from the area's aesthetics.]]
[[File:Man inserting earplugs.jpg|thumb|alt=A man inserting an earplug in his ear to reduce his noise exposure|A man inserting an earplug in his ear to reduce the noise exposure]]

The [[Hierarchy of hazard controls|Hierarchy of Controls]] concept is often used to reduce noise in the environment or the workplace. Engineering noise controls can be used to reduce noise propagation and protect individuals from overexposure. When noise controls are not feasible or adequate, individuals can also take steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of noise pollution. If people must be around loud sounds, they can protect their ears with hearing protection (e.g., ear plugs or ear muffs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/reducenoiseexposure/noisecontrols.html|title=Noise Controls|last=NIOSH|date=Feb 5, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2018|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216094324/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/reducenoiseexposure/noisecontrols.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Buy Quiet]] programs and initiatives have arisen in an effort to combat occupational noise exposures. These programs promote the purchase of quieter tools and equipment and encourage manufacturers to design quieter equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html|title=CDC – Buy Quiet – NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics|access-date=25 September 2015|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808151558/http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Noise from roadways and other urban factors can be mitigated by [[urban planning]] and [[Roadway noise|better design of roads]]. [[Roadway noise]] can be reduced by the use of [[noise barrier]]s, limitation of vehicle speeds, alteration of roadway surface texture, limitation of heavy vehicles, use of traffic controls that smooth vehicle flow to reduce braking and acceleration, and tyre design.

An important factor in applying these strategies is a [[computer model]] for [[roadway noise]], that is capable of addressing local [[topography]], [[meteorology]], traffic operations, and hypothetical mitigation. Costs of building-in mitigation can be modest, provided these solutions are sought in the planning stage of a roadway project.

[[Aircraft noise]] can be reduced by using quieter [[jet engine]]s. Altering [[flight path]]s and time of day runway has benefited residents near airports.