An adaptive level estimator for providing a level estimate of an electric input signal representing sound is provided. The adaptive level estimator comprises a first level estimator configured to provide a first level estimate of the electric input signal in a first number K1 of frequency bands; a second level estimator configured to provide a second level estimate of the electric input signal and/or associated attack/release time constants in a second number K2 of frequency bands, wherein K2 is smaller than K1; and a level control unit receiving said first and second level estimates and configured to provide said resulting level estimate based on said first and said second level estimates and/or said associated attack/release time constants. The invention may e.g. be used in devices or applications that benefit from a dynamic adaptation of an input signal level to a listener's (possibly limited) dynamic range of sound level perception, or to any other specific dynamic range deviating from that of the environment sound.