How is Hearing Health Affected by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

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 known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are sometimes considered to provide universal healing qualities, but established research suggests there might also be unfavorable effects like a strong connection between cannabinoid usage and the development of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.

How many kinds of cannabinoids are there?

Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of formats and usages.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, such as weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has more comprehensive significance that exceeds its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in formats including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

Depending on the state, and according to federal regulations, different types of cannabinoids will be available, while several varieties remain prohibited if their THC concentration exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not uncommon for individuals to be quite cautious of cannabinoids.

The issue is that the full magnitude of the potential risks and consequences related to cannabis use over an extended period remains uncertain.
For instance, new findings reveal how cannabinoids can impact your hearing ability.

Investigating the connection between cannabinoids and hearing loss

A wide range of health problems and medical conditions are believed to be helped by cannabinoids.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more seem to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some studies.
So researchers decided to see if cannabinoids could help with tinnitus, too.

Ongoing studies indicate that using cannabis could have an effect on your auditory health.

  • High Blood Pressure: One of the possible side effects of cannabis use is an increase in blood pressure.
    Sustained high blood pressure can harm 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 substances found in cannabis may be hazardous causing hearing issues and ringing in the ears as a result of their ototoxic properties.

Yes, tinnitus can be caused by cannabinoid use.
Studies have shown that more than one out of five people who used cannabis-based materials reported experiencing tinnitus, identified by a persistent ringing sound in the ears.
Before the study, the individuals involved did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Furthermore, people who used marijuana were substantially more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Further studies have suggested that using marijuana may aggravate the ringing experience linked to tinnitus in individuals who already experience this condition.
Simply put, research indicates that tinnitus and cannabinoids might not be a great mix.

The possible negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms

Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
First off, the occurrences of tinnitus symptoms can become more frequent, you may notice the buzzing or ringing in your ears more frequently.
Also, your bouts of tinnitus can become more severe when you’re using cannabinoids. More extreme ringing that can be harder to disregard can be the outcome.

The onset of tinnitus symptoms has also been linked to cannabinoids.
Or, said another way: after you start employing cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.

The underlying cause of tinnitus remains uncertain

Even though we recognize the link between tinnitus and certain triggers, we have yet to establish the exact underlying reasons.
Cannabinoids may affect the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it still remains unclear why.

Obviously, research will continue to be carried out.
As we gain a better sense of how cannabinoids are connected to tinnitus, people will have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision on which form of cannabinoid to choose.

The miracle cure beware

Cannabinoids have garnered significant recognition and publicity in the market over the past several years.
That’s partially because opinions are changing about cannabinoids (and, to a degree, is also an indication of a need to shift away from opioids).
But this new research makes it evident that cannabinoids can and do bring about some adverse consequences, specifically if you’re worried about the health of your hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are unmistakably linked based on existing research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s best to steer clear of CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements marketing their benefits.
It’s worth being careful when the connection between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so well established.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, you shouldn’t wait to schedule a hearing exam, 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.

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