Monitor snapping and cracking

I have a 21" Panasonic monitor, it's 3 1/2 years old, and its recently started making snapping and cracking noises (as if somethings arcing due to static) causing the screen to flick on and off repetedly for about a second. This happens every hour or so. I have also noticed it makes similar noises when you turn it on/off. I have already tried cleaning the dust off inside (after waiting 3 days for the monitor to discharge), but this has not helped. I have read that it may be caused by dust under the suction cup.

I am about to attempt to discharge it using a jump lead and a screwdriver (as described on http://www.arcadeobsession.com/capkit.html)

Does anyone have any other suggestions before I go and electricute myself? :D

Please check the cable's connection to the PC, perhaps there is a little loss of signal.
Is the PC going into sleep mode?
Is the refresh rate too high?
Otherwise: dump it and buy a new 1, sorry.