diff --git a/source/lib/res/h_mgr.cpp b/source/lib/res/h_mgr.cpp
index 6733363c1f..a4ca771e26 100755
--- a/source/lib/res/h_mgr.cpp
+++ b/source/lib/res/h_mgr.cpp
@@ -716,6 +716,15 @@ Handle h_find(H_Type type, uintptr_t key)
 }
 
 
+int h_allow_free(Handle h, H_Type type)
+{
+	HDATA* hd = h_data(h, type);
+	if(!hd)
+		return ERR_INVALID_HANDLE;
+	hd->keep_open = 0;
+	return 0;
+}
+
 
 
 int res_cur_scope;
diff --git a/source/lib/res/h_mgr.h b/source/lib/res/h_mgr.h
index fda547a892..cba2df28e2 100755
--- a/source/lib/res/h_mgr.h
+++ b/source/lib/res/h_mgr.h
@@ -201,7 +201,10 @@ extern int h_reload(const char* fn);
 
 extern int res_cur_scope;
 
-
+// disable caching and allow the handle to actually be freed when refcount
+// is at 0. used when cached resources must be closed before exit,
+// e.g. sounds when reinitializing OpenAL (due to changed settings).
+extern int h_allow_free(Handle h, H_Type type);
 
 extern void h_mgr_shutdown();