A sound variation indication apparatus includes a comparison element, an
interval checker, and an indication generator. The comparison element
receives an audio signal and compares it to a check value to provide a
status signal indicating a presence and absence of an expected sound
input. The interval checker detects the status signal at predetermined
intervals, to provide an interval output. The indication generator
generates an indication if the interval output is an absence
representation. A process of generating an indication on absence of a
sound input includes providing an audio signal based on a sound input and
comparing the audio signal to a check value, providing a status signal
indicating a presence and absence of the sound input. A status signal
value is determined at predetermined intervals, to provide an interval
output. An indication is generated if the interval output is an absence
representation.