Sonic Cicadas

It's something for the Last Word in New Scientist:

Q: Given that they're a dime a dozen at this time of year, and hardly need to broadcast their presence to a prospective mate a kilometre away, how come cicadas need to be so excruciatingly LOUD!!?

A1: Because, like all marketeers, they're trying to stand out from the crowd (like everybody else)!

A2: Because they're all stone deaf!