Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for teams planning custom hearing protection programs.

Answers to common questions from procurement managers, safety officers, and operations teams considering Pacific Ears hearing protection programs.

Section 01

About Pacific Ears

4 questions

01 What is Pacific Ears and where are you based?

Pacific Ears is a custom hearing protection specialist operating across Australia and New Zealand. We design, manufacture, and supply custom-moulded earplugs, communication systems, and hearing protection programs for both individual consumers and business clients. Manufacturing is based in Australia.

02 How long has Pacific Ears been operating?

Pacific Ears has been operating for over 20 years, supplying hearing protection to professional workforces, industrial operations, and individual customers across Australia and New Zealand.

03 Is Pacific Ears a manufacturer or a reseller?

Pacific Ears manufactures its own custom-moulded products. We are not a reseller. Products are made to order using ear impressions taken by qualified audiologists, and manufactured in our Australian facility.

04 Do you operate in both Australia and New Zealand?

Yes. Pacific Ears has operations in both Australia and New Zealand. Business enquiries from both countries are handled through this platform. Consumer stores are available separately at pacificears.com.au and pacificears.co.nz.

Section 02

Products and Protection

6 questions

01 What types of hearing protection does Pacific Ears supply for business clients?

We supply custom-moulded earplugs, filtered hearing protection, communication earpieces compatible with two-way radio systems, and in-ear monitors for professional audio and broadcast applications. All custom products are made to individual ear impressions for optimal fit and protection.

02 What noise reduction levels do your products achieve?

Protection levels vary by product. Our industrial hearing protection products are independently tested to AS/NZS 1270 standards. Specific attenuation data is available per product. Contact us for a product recommendation matched to your workplace noise levels.

03 Are your products independently tested and certified?

Custom earplug variants with acoustic filters are independently tested to AS/NZS 1270. Class 5 hearing protection is tested to AS/NZS 1270 standards. Testing documentation is available on request.

04 What is the difference between custom-moulded and universal fit hearing protection?

Universal fit products use standard sizes and foam or pre-shaped tips. Custom-moulded products are made from an impression of the individual's ear, resulting in a precise fit that improves both comfort and protection consistency. For workplace programs requiring long-term daily wear, custom-moulded products typically deliver better compliance and lower replacement frequency.

05 Can your products be used with helmets, safety glasses, and respirators?

Yes. Pacific Ears custom hearing protection is designed for compatibility with standard PPE including helmets, eyewear, and respirators. This is a key consideration for industrial and construction environments where multiple PPE items are worn simultaneously.

06 Do you supply communication earpieces compatible with two-way radio systems?

Yes. Pacific Ears supplies custom communication earpieces designed for compatibility with standard two-way radio systems. These are used in construction, industrial operations, security, and event management contexts.

Section 03

Compliance and Standards

4 questions

01 What hearing protection standard applies in Australia and New Zealand workplaces?

The relevant standard for hearing protection in Australian and New Zealand workplaces is AS/NZS 1270. This standard classifies hearing protectors into classes based on their sound level conversion performance. Class 5 provides the highest level of protection under this standard.

02 How do I know which class of hearing protection my workplace requires?

The required class depends on the noise levels present in your workplace. A workplace noise assessment determines the exposure levels, which then maps to the appropriate protection class under AS/NZS 1270. Pacific Ears can provide product recommendations once workplace noise levels are known. We recommend consulting a qualified occupational hygienist or audiologist for formal noise assessments.

03 Can Pacific Ears help us meet our workplace hearing conservation obligations?

Pacific Ears can supply independently tested hearing protection products that support your workplace hearing conservation program. We are a product and fitting specialist, not a compliance auditor. For formal compliance advice, we recommend engaging a qualified occupational health professional alongside your Pacific Ears product program.

04 Do your products come with documentation suitable for workplace safety records?

Yes. Product testing documentation and specifications are available on request and can be supplied in formats suitable for workplace safety management systems.

Section 04

Ordering and Fitting

6 questions

01 How does the custom fitting process work for a business order?

The process involves four steps. First, we assess your workplace requirements and recommend suitable products. Second, ear impressions are taken for each individual by a qualified audiologist, either at our facility or via a site visit. Third, products are manufactured to those impressions. Fourth, finished products are delivered and a fit check is conducted.

02 Can you come to our site to take ear impressions?

Site fitting is available for business clients. This is particularly relevant for organisations with large teams or remote locations. Contact us to discuss site visit logistics and scheduling.

03 Who takes the ear impressions?

All ear impressions must be taken by a qualified audiologist. Pacific Ears works with a network of audiologist partners across Australia and New Zealand. We do not offer self-administered or mail-in impression kits.

04 Can employees self-administer ear impressions using a DIY kit?

No. Ear impressions must always be taken by a qualified audiologist. Self-administered impressions are not suitable for custom hearing protection manufacturing and are not offered by Pacific Ears.

05 What is the typical turnaround time for a business order?

Turnaround times vary depending on order size, product type, and current production scheduling. Contact us for a current lead time estimate for your specific order. Custom products require longer lead times than ready-fit products.

06 What information do you need from us to start a business enquiry?

To provide an accurate recommendation and quote we need: your industry and workplace environment, approximate team size, noise exposure levels if known, any existing PPE requirements such as helmets or respirators, and your location for logistics and fitting coordination.

Section 05

Pricing and Procurement

4 questions

01 How is pricing structured for business orders?

Pricing depends on product type, order volume, and any site fitting requirements. We do not publish fixed business pricing as requirements vary significantly between organisations. Submit an enquiry and we will provide a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

02 Do you offer volume pricing for large teams?

Yes. Volume pricing is available for business orders. The specifics depend on product selection and order size. Include your approximate team size in your enquiry for relevant pricing information.

03 Can Pacific Ears be set up as an approved supplier in our procurement system?

Yes. We can provide the documentation required for supplier registration including company details, product certifications, and insurance information. Contact us to initiate the supplier onboarding process.

04 Do you invoice on account or require payment upfront?

Payment terms are discussed as part of the business onboarding process. Contact us to discuss terms applicable to your organisation.

Section 06

Ongoing Support and Replacement

4 questions

01 What happens if a product does not fit correctly after delivery?

If a fit issue arises after delivery, contact Pacific Ears directly. Remake and adjustment policies apply under specific qualifying conditions. We will assess the issue and advise on the appropriate resolution. We do not guarantee free replacement without assessment of the specific situation.

02 What is the warranty on custom products?

Warranty terms vary by product. Contact us for the warranty conditions applicable to your specific order. Warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or normal wear.

03 Can replacement units be ordered for new staff joining an existing program?

Yes. Once a workplace program is established, replacement or additional units for new team members can be ordered. New employees will require their own ear impressions.

04 Do you provide ongoing program support for long-term business clients?

Yes. Pacific Ears supports ongoing workplace hearing protection programs including replacement ordering, additional fittings for new staff, and program reviews on request.

Section 07

Trade and Reseller Enquiries

2 questions

01 Do you work with audiologists or occupational health providers who want to offer Pacific Ears products?

Yes. Pacific Ears works with audiologists and occupational health providers as referral and fitting partners. Contact us to discuss partnership arrangements.

02 Do you offer reseller or distributor arrangements?

Trade and distribution enquiries are handled case by case. Contact us directly to discuss your situation and what arrangement may be applicable.

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