An echo canceling system receives and transmits audio signals between a far end and a near end. During single talk, which is when only one end is originating audio, the path back to the originator is impeded by echo cancellation and attenuation. When there is double talk, which is when both ends are originating audio, the attenuation is removed, or at least significantly reduced. This is achieved by using ERLE, which itself is a known signal used for other purposes in an echo cancellation system, to provide information as to when double talking is occurring. This allows for stopping the attenuation for the double talk situation, which is the desired result.