how to disable microphone when im not using it?

[heyyy]

recently i bought a pair of headphones and tried to test them.
during the test i played with the "control volume manager" and the "Sound recorder"
and realized that whether i have muted or not the microphone,its always on and listening! at least i have that impression because i tried to mute the microphone and then start to record but even then it was still working
maybe there is something related to my built in microphone on the laptop

i need some ways to check its status(on & off),maybe a script showing this as a tray icon
and
to know in a few words how this works

[soumo]

Sounds obvious, but here's something you may have missed.

Unless enabled in the preferences/options of your volume control manager, there may be a 'front mic' in addition to the regular mic. Check that option so it shows up in the applet.

Maybe posting your System>Preferences>sound (preferences) to see what you are putting your audio through might help others.

I have no other suggestions.

-Good luck!