Portable communication device (100) generates a telephony audio stream and at least a second audio stream. Responsive to the occurrence of a telephony session, the second audio stream is re-routed from a loudspeaker (234) to a handset speaker (230) in the PCD (100) having a low capacity audio output capability. Upon termination of the telephony session, the second audio stream is re-routed from the handset speaker (230) to the loudspeaker (234). Subsequent to such re-routing, an audio output drive level of the second audio stream is caused to gradually increase over a period of time in accordance with a predetermined ramp function. A series of warning tones are reproduced to warn the user of the potential for high volume audio.