The invention is directed to techniques for suppressing the voice of a
user of an audio electronic device, such as a mobile phone, from being
heard by an unintended listener. In one arrangement, the invention
includes an input microphone, an electronics module, and a suppression
speaker. The user speaks into the input microphone, and the electronics
module generates an antivoice signal from a voice signal received from
the input microphone. The suppression speaker outputs an antivoice output
that combines with the voice of the user to form a voice suppression zone
next to the speaker. The user thus can carry on his or her conversation
in private as long as the unintended listener is within the voice
suppression zone. Alternately, the user can avoid distracting other users
of similar devices nearby, such as in a crowded office environment with
many individuals using telephones at the same time. In another
arrangement, the invention includes multiple suppression speakers that
can be oriented in different directions to provide one or more voice
suppression zones.