Cannabis Use and Hearing Health

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

The use of marijuana is now legal in a number of states for medical purposes and in several other states for recreational use.

So, what are cannabinoids?
A specific group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are known as cannabinoids.
Some individuals strongly believe that cannabinoids have broad healing properties, however existing researches suggest that there could be unfavorable impacts, including a substantial link between using cannabinoids and experiencing hearing issues such as hearing loss or tinnitus.

What are the different forms of cannabinoids?

At present, cannabinoids can be used in many forms.
It’s not just weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a bunch of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move on).
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.

Depending on the state, and in accordance with federal laws, different forms of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties are still restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s still common for individuals to be very careful about cannabinoids.

The issue is that the complete extent of the possible risks and repercussions associated with cannabis use over an extended period remains unclear.
One example is the new information about how cannabinoids impact your hearing.

Exploring the connection between cannabinoids and hearing impairment

Cannabinoids are believed to be helpful for a wide range of health issues and medical ailments.
Some studies indicate that cannabinoids might ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So researchers decided to find out if cannabinoids could assist with tinnitus, too.

While research is continuing, cannabis use could also potentially impact your hearing:

  • High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially bring about raised blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Continual high blood pressure can harm 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 nature.

Cannabinoid use can certainly result in the development of tinnitus.
Studies have shown that more than one in five individuals who ingested cannabis-based products disclosed experiencing tinnitus, characterized by a consistent ringing sound in the ears.
And, these participants had never experienced tinnitus symptoms before the study. What’s more, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to document having tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.

Added research showed that marijuana use might worsen ear-ringing symptoms in individuals who already cope with tinnitus.
Simply put, there’s some very strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really combine very well.

The potential negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms

Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
To begin with, the incidents of tinnitus symptoms can become more frequent, you might observe the buzzing or ringing in your ears more persistently.
Additionally, employing cannabinoids might intensify your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to disregard.

The beginning of tinnitus symptoms has also been linked to cannabinoids.
Or, said differently: after you begin employing cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t notice them before.

The root cause of tinnitus remains unclear

While we observe a relationship between tinnitus and specific triggers, we’re still unclear what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an effect on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s producing that impact is a lot less clear.

Obviously, research is continuing.
Individuals will be prepared to make a practical choice regarding which of the many forms of cannabinoids to choose from as we obtain deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.

The solution that’s too good to be real

Cannabinoids have garnered substantial interest and publicity in the market over the past several years.
A key factor is the shifting public viewpoint concerning cannabinoids, which also reflects an increasing interest in exploring alternatives to opioids.
However, new research has illuminated the potential downsides of cannabinoids, particularly for individuals who care about their auditory health, showing that these substances can have undesirable impacts on hearing.

Research has established a clear connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
So regardless of how much advertising you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should most likely stay away from them.
With the strong link between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s a smart plan to use caution.

Don’t hesitate to get a professional evaluation if you’re dealing with tinnitus or hearing difficulties – prioritizing your auditory well-being is essential for your total health.

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.

Stop struggling to hear conversations. Come see us today. Call or Text