Foam vs Custom Earplugs: Which Is Better for Mining?

If you work in mining, hearing protection isn’t optional — but choosing the right type matters more than most people realise.

Foam earplugs are everywhere on site, yet hearing loss remains one of the most common occupational health issues in mining. So what’s going wrong?

Let’s break down foam vs custom earplugs, and which actually protects your hearing long-term.

🔹 Foam Earplugs: The Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cheap and readily available

• Disposable

• Easy to issue in bulk

Cons

• Highly dependent on correct insertion

• Lose effectiveness when dirty or poorly fitted

• Often uncomfortable over long shifts

• Poor compliance (frequently removed)

Studies consistently show that incorrectly inserted foam plugs can lose up to 50% of their rated protection.

🔹 Custom Earplugs: What’s Different?

Custom earplugs are made from ear impressions, creating a seal unique to your ear canal.

Benefits

• Consistent, repeatable protection

• Comfortable for 12-hour shifts

• Better speech clarity with acoustic filters

• Increased compliance

• Reduced risk of long-term hearing damage

For mining environments, AS/NZS 1270-certified filters (such as Pro26, Pro27, Pro31) allow workers to hear alarms and communication while still protecting against harmful noise levels.

PACS Pro Series

14 Different Attenuation | Certified AS/NZS:1270 | Perfect Fit

🔹 Compliance Is the Real Issue

Most hearing loss on site doesn’t happen because protection isn’t issued — it happens because it isn’t worn properly or consistently.

Custom earplugs:
✔ Stay in
✔ Don’t irritate
✔ Don’t need constant replacement
✔ Encourage daily use

This is why many sites see higher compliance rates once they move away from disposable foam plugs.

🔹 Cost: Short-Term vs Long-Term

Foam plugs are cheap up front — but expensive over time.

Custom earplugs:

• Last years (with maintenance)

• Are often tax deductible

• Reduce hearing-related claims

• Improve workforce comfort and compliance

🔹 So, Which Is Better for Mining?

• Visitors / short-term

  Foam earplugs

• Full-time operators

  Custom earplugs

• High-noise plant

  Custom earplugs

• Long shifts

  Custom earplugs

• Compliance issues

  Custom earplugs

🔹 Local Custom Earplug Fitting – Bowen Basin

At Jaquet Health, we provide:

• On-site or in-clinic ear impressions

• Australian-made custom earplugs

• AS/NZS 1270-certified acoustic filters

• Local service across Central Highlands

📞 Contact us to organise individual or site-based fittings.