How is Hearing Health Impacted by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

Numerous states now permit the use of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid materials for medicinal perposes, and many states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes.

So, what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are classified as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some people strongly believe that cannabinoids have extensive healing qualities, but prevailing researches indicate that there might be negative impacts, including a substantial link between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing problems such as hearing loss or tinnitus.

What are the different forms of cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are now available in a variety of formats and applications.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, like weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has broader significance that goes beyond its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in formats including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

Depending on the state, and according to federal regulations, various forms of cannabinoids will be available, while several varieties remain restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s still normal for individuals to be very cautious about cannabinoids.

The problem is that we don’t presently comprehend some of the long-term side effects or consequences of cannabinoid use.
One example is the new information about how cannabinoids impact your hearing.

Exploring the connection between cannabinoids and hearing loss

A wide variety of health problems and medical conditions are thought to be benefited by cannabinoids.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some studies.
Scientists then explored whether cannabinoids might 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: Cannabis use can possibly bring about raised blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Chronic high blood pressure can damage 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 of the compounds in cannabis might be ototoxic, meaning they are harmful to the inner ear. This can also lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.

Cannabinoid use can certainly lead to the development of tinnitus.
Research has shown that more than one out of five individuals who consumed cannabis-based products reported experiencing tinnitus, characterized by a persistent ringing sound in the ears.
And, these participants had never had tinnitus symptoms before the study. What’s more, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report having tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.

Further studies have indicated that using marijuana might increase the ringing experience associated with tinnitus in individuals who already cope with this condition.
Simply put, research reveals that tinnitus and cannabinoids might not be a good combination.

The potential negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms

There are a number of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
To begin with, the incidents of tinnitus symptoms can become more frequent, you might observe the buzzing or ringing in your ears more frequently.
Additionally, using cannabinoids may intensify your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to ignore.

Cannabinoids have also been found to bring about the onset of tinnitus symptoms.
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 clear what actually causes tinnitus

Even though we recognize the connection between tinnitus and certain triggers, we have yet to identify the precise governing causes.
Cannabinoids might influence the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms, but it still remains unclear why.

Clearly, research is ongoing.
People will be equipped to make a practical decision regarding which of the many types of cannabinoids to select from as we get deeper understanding into their connection to tinnitus.

The miracle cure beware

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

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are unmistakably connected based on present research.
So regardless of how much marketing you see for CBD oils, if you’re concerned about tinnitus, you should most likely avoid them.
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 assessment, 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.