diff --git a/src/courtroom.cpp b/src/courtroom.cpp
index baa6631..9b3b206 100644
--- a/src/courtroom.cpp
+++ b/src/courtroom.cpp
@@ -1333,6 +1333,9 @@ void Courtroom::update_character(int p_cid)
   ui_char_select_background->hide();
   ui_ic_chat_message->setEnabled(m_cid != -1);
   ui_ic_chat_message->setFocus();
+  // have to call these to make sure sfx and blips don't get accidentally muted forever when we change characters
+  sfx_player->set_volume(ui_sfx_slider->value());
+  blip_player->set_volume(ui_blip_slider->value());
 }
 
 void Courtroom::enter_courtroom()