Cicada noise can ‘overwhelm’ people with sensory issues. When will they leave Mississippi?

Chelsea Madden
·2 min read

Are you tired of hearing the intense roar of the cicadas every time you step outside?

Well for many, it’s just a nuisance. However, for certain groups of people, the noise can “overwhelm” and be a source of anxiety.

Around 5.5 million people in the United States struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and with the disorder comes significant sensory issues. Many of these individuals are currently struggling with the buzzing of the cicada invasion that began in April.

“Most patients who have ASD will experience decreased sound tolerance and auditory sensitivity at some point in their lives,” said Nathan Carroll, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and a chief resident at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Carroll noted that some of these patients are “extremely challenged” by the cicada sounds and sometimes even “in a great deal of distress due to how ubiquitous the sound is.”

Other groups of people with anxiety disorders and tinnitus may also be affected by the noise.

So, what do we know about when the cicadas are leaving? And what are some coping mechanisms in the meantime? Here’s what to know.

When are cicadas leaving Georgia?

Billions of cicadas left their underground homes to surface and fly across the southern U.S. last month. The periodical brood XIX emerges every 13 to 17 years, but this particular brood or species of cicadas hasn’t been seen together since 1803.

While it is an “extremely rare, once-in-a-lifetime event,” many are wondering when the little bugs will be on their way out.

Unfortunately, it may be a little while.

According to Blake Layton, extension entomology specialist at Mississippi State, “The woods will be thrumming with periodical cicadas through much of May, with numbers declining toward the end of the month.”

Sometime in early to mid June, the periodical cicada song will no longer heard and the annual cicadas will start singing again.

How can those with sensory issues or sensitive ears cope with the noise?

Here are some tips from the Yale School of Public Health:

  • For parents of children with sensitivities: Frame the event in a positive light by explaining its rarity and uniqueness, assuring children that the cicadas’ noise is temporary

  • For caregivers of patients: Look for signs of noise hypersensitivity, which might include covering ears, avoiding situations with irritating noise, and becoming distressed without a clear trigger

  • For those with sensory issues: Wear headphones or earplugs when outdoors and reduce the amount of time spent outside

More tips include:

  • Deep-breathing, distraction and meditation.

  • Focus on the fact that while these bugs are big, they’re harmless to humans and not interested in us. They won’t bite or sting us and don’t carry any diseases. Before you know it, they’ll be gone, along with your worries.

What questions do you have? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com