A method and apparatus for modifying the level of a speech signal is provided in which the gain parameter in the encoded speech signal is changed in a variable and cyclical manner over time. More specifically, a speech signal is encoded as a bit stream and the speech signal is transported in frames with each frame potentially being further sub-divided into sub-frames. The gain parameter, e.g., fixed codebook gain, is modified in the speech signal in a variable and cyclical manner over a plurality of frames or sub-frames so that gain is temporally dispersed over a plurality of frames or sub-frames. In effect, the change in the amount of gain applied to the signal is effectively dispersed over time so that gradual and accurate changes in the output level of the signal can be achieved to better match actual signal conditions.