diff --git a/include/pemagine/pe_api.h b/include/pemagine/pe_api.h
index c6c456b..f7f9346 100644
--- a/include/pemagine/pe_api.h
+++ b/include/pemagine/pe_api.h
@@ -23,13 +23,22 @@
 #define pe_import
 #endif
 
+/* hidden visibility */
+#if	defined(__attr_hidden__)
+#define pe_hidden __attr_hidden__
+#else
+#define pe_hidden
+#endif
+
 /* pe_api */
-#if     defined (PE_EXPORT)
+#if     defined (PE_LDSO)
+#define pe_api pe_hidden
+#elif   defined (PE_EXPORT)
 #define pe_api pe_export
 #elif   defined (PE_IMPORT)
 #define pe_api pe_import
 #elif   defined (PE_STATIC)
-#define pe_api
+#define pe_api pe_hidden
 #else
 #define pe_api
 #endif