diff --git a/code/modules/organs/internal/lungs.dm b/code/modules/organs/internal/lungs.dm
index c7769fed996..cc9096a10fd 100644
--- a/code/modules/organs/internal/lungs.dm
+++ b/code/modules/organs/internal/lungs.dm
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@
 	max_damage = 70
 	relative_size = 60
 
+	var/breathing = 0
+
 	var/rescued = FALSE // whether or not a collapsed lung has been rescued with a syringe
 	var/oxygen_deprivation = 0
 	var/last_successful_breath
@@ -252,6 +254,9 @@
 		if(!BP_IS_ROBOTIC(src) && species.breathing_sound && is_below_sound_pressure(get_turf(owner)))
 			if(breathing || owner.shock_stage >= 10)
 				sound_to(owner, sound(species.breathing_sound,0,0,0,5))
+				breathing = 0
+			else
+				breathing = 1
 
 	return failed_breath