Quantifying the benefits of noise reduction presents complex methodological difficulties. Appropriate measures of hearing loss at equilibrium as well as adjustment periods need to be expressed in appropriate terms. Nonaudiometric effects of noise exposure, though difficult to quantify, must not be ignored. The effect of worker mobility must be accounted for explicitly. The presentation of the benefits of noise reduction in juxtaposition to the costs must occur in ways which reflect a realistic appreciation of the health problem for which policy alternatives can be designed.