diff --git a/shields/README.txt b/shields/README.txt
index d71626d..5a72097 100644
--- a/shields/README.txt
+++ b/shields/README.txt
@@ -7,3 +7,10 @@ Depends: 3d_armor
 
 Originally a part of 3d_armor, shields have been re-included as an optional extra.
 If you do not what shields then simply remove the shields folder from the modpack.
+
+Shields Configuration
+---------------------
+
+Override the following default settings by adding them to your minetest.conf file.
+
+shields_disable_sounds = false
diff --git a/shields/init.lua b/shields/init.lua
index 31f76dd..36ab9b0 100644
--- a/shields/init.lua
+++ b/shields/init.lua
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 -- support for i18n
 local S = armor_i18n.gettext
 
+local disable_sounds = minetest.settings:get_bool("shields_disable_sounds")
 local use_moreores = minetest.get_modpath("moreores")
 local function play_sound_effect(player, name)
-	if player then
+	if not disable_sounds and player then
 		local pos = player:getpos()
 		if pos then
 			minetest.sound_play({