Abstract: A method for automatic speech direction reversal includes supplying a reception signal with variable damping to a loudspeaker, outputting a microphone signal with variable damping from a microphone as a transmission signal; continuously classifying each of the reception signal and the microphone signal as a speech signal or noise; setting the damping of one of the signals classified as the speech signal to a first damping value, setting the damping of the other of the signals to a second damping value being higher than the first damping value, and maintaining the set damping until the one signal is classified as noise. The preceding damping values are maintained if both of the signals are classified as a speech signal. Both damping vlaues are set to a third damping value being located between the first and second damping values if both of the signals are classified as noise.