How is Hearing Health Affected by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

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

Let’s take a look at what defines cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are categorized as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Cannabinoids are sometimes believed to provide universal healing qualities, but established research suggests there might also be negative impacts including a solid link between cannabinoid usage and the progression of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.

What are the different types of cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are currently available in a variety of forms and applications.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, such as weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has broader significance that goes beyond its nicknames.
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.

Depending on the state, and according to federal regulations, various types of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties remain prohibited if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for people to be quite cautious of cannabinoids.

The issue is that we don’t yet grasp some of the long-term side effects or complications of cannabinoid use.
For example, new findings show how cannabinoids can impact your ability to hear.

Cannabinoids and hearing loss

A large variety of health problems and medical conditions are thought to be benefited by cannabinoids.
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids might alleviate nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So researchers decided to see if cannabinoids could assist with tinnitus, too.

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

  • High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially result in elevated blood pressure as one of its side effects.
    Persistent elevated 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 might be ototoxic, meaning they are harmful to the inner ear. This can also lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.

Yes, tinnitus can be induced by cannabinoid use.
Based on the research, over 20% of study subjects who used cannabinoid products documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
And, these subjects 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.

Additional studies have suggested that using marijuana may intensify the ringing sensation linked to tinnitus in people who already cope with this condition.
In other words, there’s some very strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really combine very well.

How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse

There are a couple of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
At first, episodes of tinnitus symptoms may happen more frequently, and the constant buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may become increasingly apparent.
Also, your spells of tinnitus can become more extreme when you’re using cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to disregard can be the outcome.

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

It’s still not well understood what actually causes tinnitus

Though we acknowledge the connection between tinnitus and particular triggers, we have yet to ascertain the distinct underlying causes.
Cannabinoids might affect the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it’s still unclear why.

Obviously, research will continue to be carried out.
As we get a better understanding of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, individuals will have the information necessary to make an informed choice on which form of cannabinoid to select.

The miracle cure beware

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

Studies have established a clear link between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s a good idea to steer clear of CBD oils despite the many advertisements supporting their benefits.
With the strong connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s a smart plan to use caution.

Don’t hesitate to get a professional assessment if you’re struggling with tinnitus or hearing troubles – prioritizing your auditory wellness is crucial 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.