How is Hearing Health Impacted by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

Numerous states currently allow the utilization of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid materials for medicinal purposes and many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Let’s have a look at what characterizes cannabinoids.
A particular group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids.
Some people strongly believe that cannabinoids have extensive healing properties, yet prevailing researches reveal that there may be unfavorable impacts, including a considerable link between using cannabinoids and experiencing hearing issues including hearing loss or tinnitus.

How many types of cannabinoids exist?

Currently, cannabinoids can be employed in lots of forms.
It’s not merely weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a bunch 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 differ state to state, and under federal law, many forms are still illegal if the THC content is greater than 0.3%.
So it’s still common for individuals to be really careful about cannabinoids.

The issue is that the total magnitude of the potential risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended duration is still unclear.
One instance is the new data about how cannabinoids affect your hearing.

Exploring the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing loss

A wide variety of health problems and medical conditions are believed to be helped by cannabinoids.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some research.
Scientists then looked into whether cannabinoids could also provide relief for people suffering from tinnitus.

Continuing studies indicate that using cannabis could have an impact on your auditory health.

  • High Blood Pressure: One of the potential side effects of cannabis use is an increase in blood pressure.
    Persistent elevated blood pressure has the potential to harm blood vessels in various regions of the body, including those within the inner ear. As a result, this damage can lead to hearing loss and the feeling of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus.
  • Ototoxicity: Some substances found in cannabis may be harmful causing hearing issues and ringing in the ears due to their ototoxic properties.

Using cannabinoids can undoubtedly lead to the development of tinnitus.
Based on the research, more than 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid materials documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
Prior to the study, the individuals involved did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Furthermore, individuals who used marijuana were significantly more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Added research suggested that marijuana use might aggravate ear-ringing symptoms in those who already cope with tinnitus.
Put simply, there’s some very strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix very well.

How cannabinoids worsen tinnitus

Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
At first, episodes of tinnitus symptoms might occur more frequently, and the persistent buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may become increasingly noticeable.
Additionally, using cannabinoids might intensify your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to ignore.

The beginning of tinnitus symptoms has also been connected to cannabinoids.
Or, said another way: after you start using cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t notice them before.

It’s still not well understood what actually causes tinnitus

While we observe a relationship between tinnitus and specific triggers, we’re still unclear what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids may influence the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it still remains unclear why.

Of course, research will continue to be done.
Individuals will be prepared to make a practical decision regarding which of the many types of cannabinoids to select from as we obtain deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.

caution:

Cannabinoids have gotten significant attention and publicity in the market over the past several years.
That’s partly because perceptions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also an indication of a desire to move away from opioids).
But this new research makes it evident that cannabinoids can and do bring about some negative repercussions, particularly if you’re concerned about the health of your hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are clearly connected based on present research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s best to avoid CBD oils despite the many advertisements marketing their benefits.
It’s worth being cautious when the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so solidly established.

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