How is Hearing Health Impacted by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

Numerous states currently permit the utilization of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid materials for medicinal applications, and quite a few states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes.

So, what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are categorized as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Cannabinoids are frequently considered to provide universal healing qualities, but established research suggests there may also be adverse effects including a strong link between cannabinoid use and the advancement of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.

What are the different kinds of cannabinoids?

Today, cannabinoids can be employed in lots of forms.
It’s not merely weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a lot of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move ahead).
Cannabinoids are now available in forms consisting of oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

The types of cannabinoids available will vary state to state, and under federal law, many types are still illegal if the THC content is greater than 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for people to be quite wary of cannabinoids.

The problem is that the total magnitude of the potential risks and repercussions associated with cannabis use over an extended time period is still unclear.
One example is the new data about how cannabinoids affect your hearing.

Investigating the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing impairment

A wide range of ailments and medical conditions are thought to be helped by cannabinoids.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more appear to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some studies.
Scientists then explored whether cannabinoids could also offer relief for tinnitus sufferers.

While studies are ongoing, cannabis usage could also potentially affect your hearing:

  • High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially lead to raised blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Chronic high blood pressure can harm blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. This can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
  • Ototoxicity: Some compounds found in cannabis could be hazardous causing hearing problems and ringing in the ears as a result of their ototoxic nature.

Cannabinoid use can certainly result in the development of tinnitus.
Studies have revealed that more than one out of five people who consumed cannabis-based products disclosed experiencing tinnitus, identified by a persistent ringing sound in the ears.
And, these subjects had never had tinnitus symptoms before the study. Additionally, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report experiencing tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.

Further studies have suggested that using marijuana might exacerbate the ringing sensation associated with tinnitus in individuals who already cope with this condition.
Put simply, there’s some really solid evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix very well.

How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse

There are a couple of concrete ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
To begin with, the occurrences of tinnitus symptoms can become more frequent, you may observe the buzzing or ringing in your ears more often.
Also, your bouts of tinnitus can become more extreme when you’re employing cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to disregard can be the outcome.

Cannabinoids have also been found to lead to the beginning of tinnitus symptoms.
Basically, beginning to employ cannabinoids might lead to the inception of tinnitus symptoms, even if you didn’t experience them previously.

The root cause of tinnitus remains unclear

Although we acknowledge the relationship between tinnitus and specific triggers, we have yet to identify the precise governing causes.
Cannabinoids can have an effect on the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms. But what’s producing that impact is much less clear.

Obviously, research will continue to be carried out.
People will be equipped to make a practical decision concerning which of the many forms of cannabinoids to pick from as we obtain deeper understanding into their link to tinnitus.

The miracle cure beware

Cannabinoids have gotten substantial interest and publicity in the market over the last few years.
A key factor is the shifting public opinion regarding cannabinoids, which also echoes a growing interest in looking into alternatives to opioids.
However, new research has shed new light on the potential drawbacks of cannabinoids, particularly for individuals who care about their hearing health, revealing that these substances can have adverse effects on hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are unmistakably connected based on existing research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s best to stay away from CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements promoting their benefits.
With the solid connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s a smart plan to exercise caution.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, don’t wait to schedule a hearing exam, 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.