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Another symptom is for the first time ever, I can hear the fan running without my hearing aids in. The fan runs for a few seconds, then turns off, then starts again. This is a constant thing and does not require me to be using the computer. That is why I thought this is a hardware issue.

 

The fans are meant to kick up the RPMs when the heat starts to build, so it may be louder or quieter at times, though most OEM fans are pretty loud regardless, so like I mentioned dust could be causing it to block its motion.  Since you said you dont know how to open it, thus you've obviously never cleaned the inside, I'm sure you have a build up of dust which is causing it to overheat.  This could be exasperated even more if you have pets or carpet. 

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