How is Hearing Health Affected by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

The utilization of marijuana is currently legal in a number of states for medical applications and in several other states for recreational usage.

So, what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are categorized as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some strongly believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, but prevailing studies reveal that there might be adverse effects, including a considerable link between using cannabinoids and experiencing hearing issues such as hearing loss or tinnitus.

How many types of cannabinoids exist?

At present, cannabinoids can be taken in lots of forms.
It isn’t merely weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a lot of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move ahead).
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.

The forms of cannabinoids available will vary state by state, and under federal law, many types are still illegal if the THC concentration is greater than 0.3%.
So it’s not uncommon for individuals to be very wary of cannabinoids.

The problem is that we don’t presently grasp some of the lasting side effects or consequences of cannabinoid use.
For instance, new findings show how cannabinoids can affect your ability to hear.

Investigating the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing impairment

Cannabinoids are believed to be helpful for a wide range of health problems and medical ailments.
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids may relieve nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
Scientists then explored whether cannabinoids might also provide relief for people suffering from tinnitus.

While studies are ongoing, cannabis use could also potentially impact your hearing:

  • High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can possibly bring about elevated blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Continual high blood pressure can damage 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 substances found in cannabis could be hazardous causing hearing problems and ringing in the ears due to their ototoxic nature.

Using cannabinoids can undoubtedly result in the development of tinnitus.
According to the research, over 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid products reported hearing a ringing in their ears.
Before the study, the participants did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Additionally, individuals who used marijuana were significantly more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Added research indicated that marijuana use could exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in people who already cope with tinnitus.
Put simply, there’s some really strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix all that well.

The potential negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms

Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few concrete ways.
To begin with, the occurrences of tinnitus symptoms can become more regular, you might observe the buzzing or ringing in your ears more persistently.
Also, your spells of tinnitus can become more extreme when you’re employing cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to disregard can be the result.

Cannabinoids have also been shown to bring about the beginning of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said differently: after you start employing cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.

The underlying cause of tinnitus remains unclear

While we recognize a relationship between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still unsure what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids may affect the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it still remains uncertain why.

Of course, research will continue to be carried out.
As we gain a better sense of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, people will have the knowledge needed to make an informed choice on which type of cannabinoid to pick.

The solution that’s too good to be real

Cannabinoids have garnered considerable attention and publicity in the market over the last several years.
That’s partly because perceptions are changing about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also an indication of a desire to move away from opioids).
But this new research makes it obvious that cannabinoids can and do produce some adverse consequences, specifically if you’re worried about the health of your hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are clearly linked based on present 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.
It’s worth being cautious when the connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so solidly established.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, you shouldn’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.

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