Missoula, Montana, is known for its vibrant music scene and numerous festivals that attract thousands of visitors each year. From the River City Roots Festival to the Missoula Symphony at Caras Park, the city offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music in a beautiful setting. But as you prepare for a day filled with music and fun, it’s important not to overlook one crucial aspect: your hearing.
Many people don’t realize that prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as those at concerts and festivals, can cause permanent hearing damage. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can protect your hearing during outdoor festivals in Missoula, so you can enjoy music for years to come.
Why hearing protection is important
It’s no secret that music festivals can be loud. Sound levels can easily reach 100 decibels or more, especially if you’re close to the speakers. Exposure to such high sound levels for extended periods can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus, a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears.
According to Alpine Hearing Protection, exposure to sounds above 80 decibels for extended periods can be harmful to your hearing. This means that even if you spend just a few hours at a festival, your hearing could already be at risk. Fortunately, there are simple ways to protect your ears without sacrificing your festival experience.
Celtic Festival Missoula, MT. Photo courtesy of the Missoula Downtown Association.
How to protect your hearing
- Wear hearing protection
The most effective way to protect your hearing at a festival is by wearing hearing protection. There are various types of earplugs on the market specifically designed for music lovers. These earplugs reduce the volume without compromising the quality of the music, allowing you to enjoy your favorite artists without damaging your hearing.
A great example of high-quality hearing protection are the products from Alpine Hearing Protection. These earplugs are designed to filter out harmful sounds while still allowing you to enjoy clear and crisp music. They are comfortable, reusable, and specially developed for music events, making them ideal for festivals in Missoula.
- Take regular breaks
Even with hearing protection, it’s a good idea to take occasional breaks from the loud noise. Find a quieter spot on the festival grounds where you can relax and give your ears a rest. This not only helps prevent hearing damage but also ensures you stay fresh and energized for the rest of the day.
- Don’t stand too close to the speakers
While it may be tempting to stand as close to the stage as possible, the speakers are often the biggest culprits when it comes to hearing damage. The closer you are to the speakers, the higher the sound levels. Try to find a spot that’s a little farther from the stage but still offers a good view and allows you to enjoy the music.
- Be mindful of exposure time
The longer you’re exposed to loud sounds, the greater the risk of hearing damage. Try to limit your time in the loudest parts of the festival. If you plan to stay at the festival all day, consider taking breaks from the music and enjoying other activities on the grounds.
Festivals in Missoula: what you need to know
River City Roots Festival
This free two-day festival in the heart of Missoula attracts music lovers of all ages. With a mix of local and national artists, it’s one of the largest music festivals in the region. The outdoor setting makes it a great place to enjoy music, but sound levels can get high, especially during evening performances.
Missoula Symphony at Caras Park
For classical music lovers, the Missoula symphony offers a unique outdoor experience. While classical music is generally less loud than rock or pop, sound levels can still be harmful, especially if you’re sitting close to the stage. Hearing protection is a smart choice here as well.
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Although this event focuses more on films than music, there are often loud after-parties and concerts that are part of the festival. If you plan to attend these events, make sure to protect your hearing.
Hearing Protection for Children
If you plan to bring your children to a festival, it’s especially important to protect their hearing. Children are more sensitive to loud sounds, and hearing damage at a young age can have lasting effects. There are special hearing protectors for children that are both comfortable and effective, such as infant ear protection. Be sure to bring these along if you’re attending a festival with your family.