Systems and methods are described for managing bit errors present in a series of encoded bits representative of a portion of an audio signal, wherein the series of encoded bits is received over a communication link in an audio communications system. At least one characteristic of a portion of a received modulated carrier signal that is demodulated to produce the series of encoded bits is determined. A number of bit errors present in the series of encoded bits is then determined based on the at least one characteristic. Based on the estimated number of bit errors, one of a plurality of methods for producing a series of digital audio samples representative of the portion of the audio signal is selectively performed. The series of digital audio samples produced by the selected method is then converted into a form suitable for playback to a user.