The National Academy of Engineering (NAE), in its role as an advisor to the nation on matters of engineering and technology policy, proposes to investigate the economic and quality-of-life benefits that might be realized through a more focused effort to control the negative effects of noise in the workplace, in communities, and in the home. The study will examine the existing and potential engineering solutions along with the policies that will help to develop and deploy solutions to these challenging problems. This subcommittee will plan and execute a workshop to determine the benefits and shortcomings of currently-used metrics in light of the most recent scientific evidence regarding measurement techniques and how well these techniques describe resulting human responses to noise exposure. The subcommittee will use the findings of the workshop to developed recommendations to assist federal, state and local agencies in establishing a quantitative basis for their noise policy decisions. The results will also be valuable for the private sector where consideration must be given to noise in the site location of industrial facilities. At the conclusion of this project, a consensus report will be issued that will:- Summarize the current state of the practice of noise control engineering, - Recommend how existing knowledge can address current challenges, - Present a research and education agenda that will generate new knowledge in the field in areas that can provide the greatest benefit to society (employees and members of communities), and- Recommend policies that agencies can develop in order to further improve the American soundscape.The approximate start date for this subcommittee activity is April 1, 2008.This project is funded by the National Academy of Engineering Fund.