A method is provided in one example embodiment that includes monitoring a sound pressure level with an endpoint (e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) phone), which is configured for communications involving end users; analyzing the sound pressure level to detect a sound anomaly; and communicating the sound anomaly to a sound classification module. The endpoint can be configured to operate in a low-power mode during the monitoring of the sound pressure level. In certain instances, the sound classification module is hosted by the endpoint. In other implementations, the sound classification module is hosted in a cloud network.