a squelch circuit is provided having a squelch hysteresis window for preventing squelch chatter in a communication device . the communication device includes a plurality of squelch states . the squelch circuit comprises a first means for sensing when the communication device is in a first squelch state . the squelch circuit also includes a second means which is responsive to the first means for varying the squelch hysteresis window to prevent squelch chatter .