diff --git a/rust-whisper.d/hotwords.py b/rust-whisper.d/hotwords.py
index fb19968..f58ba09 100644
--- a/rust-whisper.d/hotwords.py
+++ b/rust-whisper.d/hotwords.py
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ class Reader(threading.Thread):
 
    def mic_idx(self):
       mics = []
-      while not mics:
+      while not mics and not self.should_stop():
          log(f'searching for one of {self.name.split(",")} in {sr.Microphone.list_microphone_names()}...')
          time.sleep(1)
          mics = [