How is Hearing Health Impacted by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

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

Let’s take a look at what characterizes cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are classified as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Cannabinoids are frequently believed to provide extensive healing qualities, but established research implies there could also be negative impacts such as a solid link between cannabinoid use and the progression of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.

What are the different kinds of cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are now available in a variety of formats and applications.
It’s not just weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a lot 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, various types of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties are still restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s still common for people to be really careful about cannabinoids.

The issue is that the full extent of the potential risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended duration is still not clear.
One instance is the new information about how cannabinoids affect your hearing.

Cannabinoids and hearing loss

A large variety of ailments and medical conditions are believed to be helped by cannabinoids.
Some studies indicate that cannabinoids may ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
Researchers then looked into whether cannabinoids might also offer relief for tinnitus sufferers.

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

  • High Blood Pressure: One of the potential side effects of using cannabis is an increase in blood pressure.
    Prolonged high blood pressure has the potential to harm blood vessels in various parts of the body, including those within the inner ear. As a result, this damage can lead to hearing impairment and the feeling of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus.
  • Ototoxicity: Some of the compounds in cannabis may be ototoxic, meaning they are toxic to the inner ear. This can also result in hearing loss and tinnitus.

Yes, tinnitus can be caused by cannabinoid use.
Based on the research, over 20% of study participants 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, individuals who used marijuana were considerably more prone to documenting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Additional research suggested that marijuana use could exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in those who already cope with tinnitus.
In other words, 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 worsen your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
Initially, episodes of tinnitus symptoms may occur more often, and the persistent buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may 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.

The beginning of tinnitus symptoms has also been connected to cannabinoids.
Or, said differently: after you start employing 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 recognize a relationship between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still unsure what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms. But what’s causing that impact is far less clear.

Clearly, research is ongoing.
People will be prepared to make a practical choice regarding which of the many types of cannabinoids to pick from as we acquire deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.

caution:

There’s been no lack of marketing hype surrounding cannabinoids in recent years.
That’s mostly because opinions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to a degree, is also an indication of a need to move away from opioids).
However, new research has illuminated the potential downsides of cannabinoids, specifically for people who care about their hearing health, showing that these substances can have adverse effects on hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are definitely linked based on present research.
So regardless of how much advertising you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should probably steer clear of them.
With the solid link between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s wise to use caution.

Don’t wait to get a professional assessment if you’re struggling with tinnitus or hearing problems – prioritizing your auditory wellness 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.