In early April, Jakob Dwight’s grandmother passed away in Alabama and he found comfort in the sound of cicadas singing near her home. He recorded the cicadas’ song the day after her funeral, feeling a connection to his late grandmother through the droning sound. This spring, as two broods of cicadas emerge in a rare simultaneous event, Americans are listening to their loud buzzing in their backyards, with some finding it soothing and magical while others find it annoying or irritating. The unique convergence of the 13-year and 17-year cicadas’ songs creates an extraordinary auditory experience.
The cicada songs are produced by male cicadas using a special organ called a tymbal, which can create sounds as loud as a jet engine. The songs are distinct for each species, with some being rhythmic frequency sweeps and others a series of ticks followed by a frequency sweep. Cicadas are the loudest singing insects on Earth, and close proximity to a chorus of males in full song may require earplugs to protect one’s hearing. In a public Facebook group dedicated to cicadas, members have shared their experiences of the humming roar of the insects, describing it as endearing or deafening.
Cicada sounds have long been a source of inspiration for artists and musicians, with the emergence of Brood X in 1970 inspiring Bob Dylan’s song “Day of the Locusts.” Artists such as Lorde have also used cicada sounds in their music to capture the feeling of summer. Some find the buzzing sounds to be meditative, using recorded cicada sounds in meditation apps to help connect with nature. However, for some individuals, particularly those with auditory sensitivity, the constant trilling of cicadas can be overwhelming, leading to discomfort. It is estimated that between 60 and 90 percent of individuals with autism have auditory sensitivity, and strategies such as using earplugs or headphones can be helpful in managing the noise.
Despite differing opinions on the cicada sounds, the emergence of these insects remains a rare and fascinating event that should be enjoyed. Wil Hershberger, a co-author of “The Songs of Insects,” recommends relaxing, listening, and embracing the unique sonic treasure provided by the cicadas. Whether finding the sounds magical and enchanting or annoying and overwhelming, the convergence of the 13-year and 17-year cicadas’ songs this spring offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience nature’s symphony in full force.
