2.3 HSE RR727 - Market Surveillance of Custom-Moulded Earplugs (2009)
HSE Guidance
- A significant proportion of the custom-moulded earplugs tested failed to meet their stated attenuation levels.
- The report highlighted issues with manufacturing quality control and the fitting process.
- It concluded that simply providing a custom-moulded device does not guarantee adequate protection.
What it is: This report, also known as the 2009 Market Surveillance report, examined the performance of custom-moulded earplugs available on the UK market. It tested a range of products to see if they met the attenuation requirements claimed by the manufacturers and the relevant EN standards (HSE, 2009).
A significant proportion of the custom-moulded earplugs tested failed to meet their stated attenuation levels.
The report highlighted issues with manufacturing quality control and the fitting process.
It concluded that simply providing a custom-moulded device does not guarantee adequate protection.
Why it matters to UK employers: This research shows that employers cannot assume that a premium product like a custom-moulded earplug is automatically effective. It reinforces the need for verification, such as fit testing, to ensure that any hearing protector, regardless of type, is providing the required level of attenuation for the individual wearer. Related: [#evidence-custom-mould-variability](#evidence-custom-mould-variability).