The use of marijuana is now legal in many states for medical purposes and in numerous other states for recreational usage.
So, what are cannabinoids?
A specific group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids.
Some individuals strongly believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, however existing studies reveal that there may be unfavorable effects, including a considerable connection between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing problems like hearing loss or tinnitus.
What are the different types of cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are now available in a variety of formats and applications.
It’s not merely weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a bunch of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move on).
Cannabinoids are now available in forms including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.
Depending on the state, and in accordance with federal regulations, different types of cannabinoids will be available, while several varieties are still restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for individuals to remain quite wary of cannabinoids.
The problem is that we don’t yet comprehend some of the lasting side effects or consequences of cannabinoid use.
For instance, new findings show how cannabinoids can affect your ability to hear.
Cannabinoids and hearing loss
Cannabinoids are thought to be helpful for a wide range of health issues and medical ailments.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some research.
Researchers then investigated whether cannabinoids might also provide reprieve for people suffering from tinnitus.
Ongoing research suggest that using cannabis could have an effect on your auditory health.
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can possibly bring about increased blood pressure as one of its side effects.
Prolonged 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 sensation of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus. - Ototoxicity: Some compounds found in cannabis could be harmful causing hearing problems and ringing in the ears due to their ototoxic properties.
Yes, tinnitus can be induced by cannabinoid use.
Based on the research, over 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. Additionally, individuals who used marijuana were substantially more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.
Additional studies have suggested that using marijuana might aggravate the ringing sensation linked to tinnitus in people who already experience this condition.
Simply put, there’s some very solid evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix very well.
The possible negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms
Cannabinoids can aggravate your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
Initially, episodes of tinnitus symptoms might happen more often, and the constant buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may become increasingly obvious.
Also, your spells of tinnitus can become more severe when you’re using cannabinoids. More extreme ringing that can be harder to dismiss can be the outcome.
Cannabinoids have also been shown to lead to the onset of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said differently: after you begin using cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.
It’s still not well understood what actually causes tinnitus
While we acknowledge a connection between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still unclear what the actual underlying causes are.
Cannabinoids may influence the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms, but it’s still uncertain why.
Obviously, research will continue to be carried out.
Individuals will be equipped to make a practical choice regarding which of the many forms of cannabinoids to pick from as we get deeper insight into their link to tinnitus.
The treatment that’s too good to be real
There’s been no lack of advertising hype surrounding cannabinoids in recent years.
That’s partly because opinions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also a sign of a need to move away from opioids).
But this new research makes it evident that cannabinoids can and do produce some adverse repercussions, especially if you’re concerned about the health of your hearing.
Tinnitus and cannabinoids are clearly linked based on existing research.
So regardless of how much advertising you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should probably stay away from them.
It’s worth being cautious when the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so well established.
If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, don’t wait to schedule a hearing assessment, your hearing health is so essential.
