diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/game.dm b/code/__HELPERS/game.dm
index 3bfbb5da25f..33368828c62 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/game.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/game.dm
@@ -188,10 +188,10 @@
 		if(ismob(A))
 			var/mob/M = A
 			if(M.client)
-				hear += M
+				hear.Add(M)
 			//world.log << "Start = [M] - [get_turf(M)] - ([M.x], [M.y], [M.z])"
 		else if(istype(A, /obj/item/device/radio))
-			hear += A
+			hear.Add(A)
 
 		hear = recursive_mob_check(A, hear, 3, 1, 0, 1)