Automatic assistance to unaided voice communication is provided by activating and deactivating a wireless communication link as needed (300). A communication device, associated with a particular individual, monitors to determine whether unaided communication occurring with another individual is satisfactory according to a predetermined criteria (310, 320, 330). The communication device automatically switches to provide aided communication, when the unaided communication is not satisfactory. Preferably, an open communication link is established between the communication device and one associated with the other individual when sound reception characteristics or separation characteristics do not meet a particular criteria (340, 350, 360, 370).