diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundManager.java b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundManager.java
index 4330255e..f2add2e5 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundManager.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/openal/SoundManager.java
@@ -73,6 +73,16 @@ public class SoundManager
         return _soundmgr;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Shuts down the sound manager.
+     */
+    public void shutdown ()
+    {
+        if (isInitialized()) {
+            AL.destroy();
+        }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Returns true if we were able to initialize the sound system.
      */