Cannabis Use and Hearing Health

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

The utilization of marijuana is currently legal in a number of states for medical applications and in several other states for recreational usage.

Let’s take a look at what characterizes cannabinoids.
A particular group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are known as cannabinoids.
Some people strongly believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, yet prevailing studies indicate that there could be adverse impacts, including a significant connection between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing troubles like hearing loss or tinnitus.

How many kinds of cannabinoids are there?

Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of forms and usages.
Beyond its many nicknames, like weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has broader value that exceeds its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are presently available in formats including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

Depending on the state, and in accordance with federal regulations, different forms of cannabinoids will be available, while several varieties are still restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for people to be very cautious of cannabinoids.

The issue is that we don’t yet comprehend some of the long-term side effects or complications of cannabinoid use.
For instance, new findings demonstrate how cannabinoids can impact your hearing ability.

Investigating the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing loss

Cannabinoids are believed to be helpful for a variety of health issues and medical ailments.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some studies.
Researchers then looked into whether cannabinoids might also provide relief for tinnitus sufferers.

While research is ongoing, cannabis use could also potentially affect your hearing:

  • High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially bring about increased blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Prolonged elevated blood pressure has the potential to damage blood vessels in various regions of the body, including those within the inner ear. As a result, this damage can cause hearing loss and the feeling of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus.
  • Ototoxicity: Some of the chemicals in cannabis might be ototoxic, meaning they are harmful to the inner ear. This can also lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.

Yes, tinnitus can be induced by cannabinoid use.
According to the research, over 20% of study subjects who used cannabinoid products documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
Prior to the study, the individuals involved did not experience any signs of tinnitus. Additionally, people who used marijuana were considerably more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Added research revealed that marijuana use might exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in people who already cope with tinnitus.
In other words, research reveals that tinnitus and cannabinoids might not be a great mix.

How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse

There are a couple of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
First off, the occurrences of tinnitus symptoms can become more regular, you may notice the buzzing or ringing in your ears more persistently.
Similarly, your bouts of tinnitus can become more severe when you’re using cannabinoids. More extreme ringing that can be harder to disregard can be the result.

Cannabinoids have also been shown to lead to the beginning of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said differently: after you begin employing cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.

The root cause of tinnitus remains uncertain

Even though we acknowledge the relationship between tinnitus and certain triggers, we have yet to determine the distinct governing reasons.
Cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s causing that impact is far less obvious.

Of course, research will continue to be carried out.
As we get a better understanding of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, people will have the information needed to make an educated choice on which type of cannabinoid to choose.

The miracle cure beware

Cannabinoids have garnered significant interest and publicity in the market over the last few years.
That’s partly because perceptions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to a degree, is also an indication of a need to move away from opioids).
But this new research makes it obvious that cannabinoids can and do give rise to some negative repercussions, especially if you’re concerned about your hearing health.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are clearly connected based on existing research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s a good idea to steer clear of CBD oils despite the many advertisements marketing their benefits.
It’s worth being cautious when the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so well established.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, don’t wait to schedule a hearing assessment, your hearing health is so essential.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.