Cannabis Use and Hearing Health

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

The utilization of marijuana is now legal in many states for medical purposes and in numerous other states for recreational usage.

So, what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are classified as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, but prevailing researches reveal that there may be negative impacts, including a significant link between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing issues such as hearing loss or tinnitus.

What are the different forms of cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of formats and usages.
It’s not just weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a lot of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move ahead).
Cannabinoids are presently available in formats consisting of oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

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

The issue is that we don’t presently understand some of the lasting side effects or complications of cannabinoid use.
For instance, new findings show how cannabinoids can impact your sense of hearing.

Exploring the connection between cannabinoids and hearing impairment

Cannabinoids are thought to be helpful for a wide range of health problems and medical conditions.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more appear to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some research.
Researchers then investigated whether cannabinoids could also provide reprieve for people suffering from tinnitus.

While studies are continuing, cannabis usage could also potentially impact your hearing:

  • High Blood Pressure: One of the potential side effects of using cannabis is an increase in blood pressure.
    Chronic high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. This can result in hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
  • Ototoxicity: Some substances found in cannabis could be harmful causing hearing issues and ringing in the ears due to their ototoxic properties.

Yes, tinnitus can be induced by cannabinoid use.
Research has shown that more than one in five people who consumed cannabis-based products disclosed experiencing tinnitus, characterized by a consistent ringing sound in the ears.
And, these subjects had never experienced tinnitus symptoms before the study. Additionally, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report experiencing tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.

Added research indicated that marijuana use could exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in individuals who already cope with tinnitus.
In other words, research suggests that tinnitus and cannabinoids may not be a good mix.

The possible negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms

There are a number of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
At first, episodes of tinnitus symptoms might occur more frequently, and the persistent humming or ringing sound in your ears might become increasingly obvious.
Also, your spells of tinnitus can become more extreme when you’re using cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to dismiss can be the outcome.

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

It’s still not well understood what actually causes tinnitus

While we acknowledge a connection between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still unclear what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids may influence the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms, but it’s still uncertain why.

Obviously, research will continue to be carried out.
Individuals will be equipped to make a practical choice concerning which of the many types of cannabinoids to pick from as we obtain deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.

The solution that’s too good to be real

There’s been no lack of advertising hype involving cannabinoids in recent years.
A key factor is the shifting public viewpoint pertaining to cannabinoids, which also echoes a growing interest in exploring alternatives to opioids.
But this new research makes it evident that cannabinoids can and do give rise to some unfavorable repercussions, specifically if you’re worried about the health of your hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are clearly linked based on current research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s a good idea to avoid CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements promoting their benefits.
With the strong link between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s wise to exercise caution.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, you shouldn’t wait to schedule a hearing exam, your hearing health is so important.

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.

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