Described is a switchable attenuation device (ES1, ES2) for the selective attenuation of digital signals, having a final control element (MULT) for analyzing the signal values using an attenuation factor (At) that determines the momentary attentuation value, and having a control means (CM) for controlling step-by-step the change in attenuation value within a predetermined turn-on or turn-off time, the control means (CM) having at least one digital filter (DF) which controls the attenuation value change (A1') by filtering a turn-on or turn-off pulse (X). Described also is the use of such attenuation devices as echo attenuating devices in cordless telephones and telephones with handsfree conversing equipment.
