An encoding method includes extracting background noise characteristic parameters within a hangover period, for a first superframe after the hangover period, performing background noise encoding based on the extracted background noise characteristic parameters, for superframes after the first superframe, performing background noise characteristic parameter extraction and DTX decision for each frame in the superframes after the first superframe, and for the superframes after the first superframe, performing background noise encoding based on extracted background noise characteristic parameters of the current superframe, background noise characteristic parameters of a plurality of superframes previous to the current superframe, and a final DTX decision. Also, a decoding method and apparatus and an encoding apparatus are disclosed. Bandwidth occupancy may be reduced substantially while the signal quality may be guaranteed.