It sounds unlikely, but according to new research the winged critters can be deafening... and they have already started to invade the U.S. after a 13-year hiatus.Todd Ricketts, an associate professor of hearing and speech at Vanderbilt University, found the noise of the insects could actually be dangerous to hearing.
'They're in the neighbourhood of 90 decibels or above, if you get real close to them,' Ricketts told WSMV's channel 4 news.
That's louder than a human conversation, louder than the noise of city traffic inside a car and almost as loud as a train whistle.
According to federal worker standards noise louder than 85 decibels should not be heard for longer than four hours at a time.
And sustained exposure to noise at 90 to 95 decibels can result in hearing loss.
Those who work outside could well be exposed to the cicada sound for longer than four hours in the coming weeks.
Steve Moore, a landscaper told the news station he had already been surrounded by them for two weeks.
Ironically they're 'attracted to the sound' Moore said.
The cicadas loud noise is generated by rubbing their legs together.
The upcoming invasion is not only a threat to hearing, but also to plants as the insects suck the sap out of everything that gets in their way. Read More
It sounds unlikely, but according to new research the winged critters can be deafening... and they have already started to invade the U.S. after a 13-year hiatus.