what steps to use to stop him from covering ears

little more details, hon. why is he covering his ears? not wanting to listen to instruction/discipline?
what?

If it is what I am thinking and he is doing it to not listen, give him earplugs with a smile and write down what you want to say. Minimize his fun with it. With that said sometimes as mothers we tend to over talk. They will turn a deaf ear to it. Boys are simple. Think caveman here ... be direct, logical and don't add alot of details to it when you are talking. Short, sweet and to the point. No lecturing .. they won't listen :-)

I failed this one.

When his ears arent covered, mouth some words to him w/out letting any sounds out. When he questions why he can't hear you, then say, "IDK, I think you may have covered your ears too many times." lol :p

Are things too loud for him? What is going on? What's the story behind him covering his ears? You could try ear plugs if he is sensitive to loud noises.

If you think this might be a psychological issue, ask your family doctor for a referral to to a specialist

Talk ,explain and repeat then a prize...