OriginalSapient: I have the same issue... No answers in 3 years?
GageBlackwood: Can you describe the scenes / location in the game in which you're encountering this issue?
I've just started playing, and so far, it's been an on-going issue. The entire introduction through exploring Gage's apartment. Right now, I don't expect that to change but I'll let you know if it does. Unlike JP1, there are no menu controls for altering the volume of sound effects or ambient noises. It's VERY hard to hear what people are saying.