diff --git a/addons/hearing/functions/fnc_addEarPlugs.sqf b/addons/hearing/functions/fnc_addEarPlugs.sqf
index 455de07fd9..8e4c5eafef 100644
--- a/addons/hearing/functions/fnc_addEarPlugs.sqf
+++ b/addons/hearing/functions/fnc_addEarPlugs.sqf
@@ -15,9 +15,12 @@
  */
 #include "script_component.hpp"
 
-private ["_unit", "_launcher"];
+PARAMS_1(_unit);
 
-_unit = _this select 0;
+// Exit if soldier has earplugs already in (persistence scenarios)
+if (FUNC(hasEarPlugsIn)) exitWith {};
+
+private ["_launcher"];
 
 // add earplugs if the soldier has a rocket launcher
 _launcher = secondaryWeapon _unit;