diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
index 7b4793a4cca..ed3306a95d1 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ var/list/crit_allowed_modes = list(MODE_WHISPER,MODE_CHANGELING,MODE_ALIEN)
 /mob/living/send_speech(message, message_range = 7, obj/source = src, bubble_type = bubble_icon, list/spans)
 	var/list/listening = get_hearers_in_view(message_range, source)
 	for(var/mob/M in player_list)
-		if(M.stat == DEAD && M.client && ((M.client.prefs.chat_toggles & CHAT_GHOSTEARS) || (get_dist(M, src) <= 7)) && client) // client is so that ghosts don't have to listen to mice
+		if(M.stat == DEAD && M.client && ((M.client.prefs.chat_toggles & CHAT_GHOSTEARS) || (get_dist(M, src) <= 7 && M.z == z)) && client) // client is so that ghosts don't have to listen to mice
 			listening |= M
 
 	var/rendered = compose_message(src, languages_spoken, message, , spans)