diff --git a/simgear/sound/soundmgr_openal.cxx b/simgear/sound/soundmgr_openal.cxx
index 2d321bdf..c438a653 100644
--- a/simgear/sound/soundmgr_openal.cxx
+++ b/simgear/sound/soundmgr_openal.cxx
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ SGSoundMgr::SGSoundMgr() {
     listener_ori[4] = 1.0;
     listener_ori[5] = 0.0;
 
+    alListenerf( AL_GAIN, 0.0f );
     alListenerfv( AL_POSITION, listener_pos );
     alListenerfv( AL_VELOCITY, listener_vel );
     alListenerfv( AL_ORIENTATION, listener_ori );