diff --git a/jquery.slimscroll.js b/jquery.slimscroll.js
index d219493..4d759ad 100644
--- a/jquery.slimscroll.js
+++ b/jquery.slimscroll.js
@@ -93,11 +93,6 @@
         // used in event handlers and for better minification
         var me = $(this);
 
-        // create a simple function to check if panel is being hovered over.
-        isOverPanel = function () {
-          return me.is(":hover");
-        }
-
         // ensure we are not binding it again
         if (me.parent().hasClass(o.wrapperClass))
         {
@@ -261,9 +256,11 @@
 
         // show on parent mouseover
         me.hover(function(){
+          isOverPanel = true;
           showBar();
           hideBar();
         }, function(){
+          isOverPanel = false;
           hideBar();
         });
 
@@ -317,7 +314,7 @@
         function _onWheel(e)
         {
           // use mouse wheel only when mouse is over
-          if (!isOverPanel()) { return; }
+          if (!isOverPanel) { return; }
 
           var e = e || window.event;
 
@@ -450,7 +447,7 @@
           if (!o.alwaysVisible)
           {
             queueHide = setTimeout(function(){
-              if (!(o.disableFadeOut && isOverPanel()) && !isOverBar && !isDragg)
+              if (!(o.disableFadeOut && isOverPanel) && !isOverBar && !isDragg)
               {
                 bar.fadeOut('slow');
                 rail.fadeOut('slow');