diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
index b282d9894a..91e75034b4 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
@@ -317,8 +317,9 @@
 			Weaken(stun_pwr*effect_amount)
 
 		if(istype(ears) && (deafen_pwr || damage_pwr))
-			ears.ear_damage += damage_pwr * effect_amount
-			ears.deaf = max(ears.deaf, deafen_pwr * effect_amount)
+			var/ear_damage = damage_pwr * effect_amount
+			var/deaf = max(ears.deaf, deafen_pwr * effect_amount)
+			adjustEarDamage(ear_damage,deaf)
 
 			if(ears.ear_damage >= 15)
 				to_chat(src, "<span class='warning'>Your ears start to ring badly!</span>")