diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/organs/ears.dm b/code/modules/surgery/organs/ears.dm
index 67842f91ab4..182bb3f1eb1 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/organs/ears.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/organs/ears.dm
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 
 /obj/item/organ/internal/ears/surgeryize()
-	owner.SetDeaf(0)
+	owner?.SetDeaf(0)
 	heal_internal_damage(100)
 
 /obj/item/organ/internal/ears/cybernetic