A method for controlling a ringing signal includes generating a ringing signal on a subscriber line, detecting a condition indicative of the subscriber line going off-hook and reducing an amplitude of the ringing signal responsive to detecting the condition. A line card includes a subscriber line interface circuit operable to generate a ringing signal on a subscriber line and a subscriber line audio-processing circuit operable to detect a condition indicative of the subscriber line going off-hook and reducing an amplitude of the ringing signal responsive to detecting the condition.