The use of marijuana is now legal in many states for medical applications and in several other states for recreational use.
Let’s take a look at what characterizes cannabinoids.
A specific group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are frequently believed to provide extensive healing qualities, but established research suggests there could also be adverse impacts including a strong link between cannabinoid use and the advancement of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.
How many types of cannabinoids are there?
Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of forms and usages.
It isn’t merely weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a bunch of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move ahead).
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.
Depending on the state, and in accordance with federal regulations, various forms of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties are still prohibited if their THC concentration exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s still normal for individuals to be very cautious about cannabinoids.
The problem is that the complete extent of the potential risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended time period is still unclear.
For example, new findings demonstrate how cannabinoids can affect your ability to hear.
Cannabinoids and hearing loss
Cannabinoids are thought to be beneficial for a wide range of health problems and medical conditions.
Some research suggest that cannabinoids may ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So scientists decided to see if cannabinoids could assist with tinnitus, too.
While studies are ongoing, cannabis use could also potentially impact your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially result in elevated blood pressure as one of its side effects.
Prolonged high blood pressure has the potential to damage blood vessels in various regions of the body, including those within the inner ear. Consequently, this damage can lead to hearing loss and the sensation of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus. - Ototoxicity: Some of the chemicals in cannabis may be ototoxic, meaning they are harmful to the inner ear. This can also lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Cannabinoid use can indeed lead to the development of tinnitus.
Studies have revealed that more than one in five people who consumed cannabis-based materials reported experiencing tinnitus, identified by a persisting ringing sound in the ears.
And, these subjects had never had tinnitus symptoms before the study. Additionally, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to report having tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.
Additional studies have indicated that using marijuana may increase the ringing sensation associated with tinnitus in people who already cope with this condition.
Put simply, there’s some really strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really combine all that well.
How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse
There are a couple of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience worse.
Initially, episodes of tinnitus symptoms might occur more frequently, and the persistent buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may become increasingly apparent.
Additionally, employing cannabinoids might worsen your tinnitus episodes, resulting in louder and more relentless ringing that can be harder to ignore.
The onset of tinnitus symptoms has also been linked to cannabinoids.
Or, said another way: after you begin using cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.
The underlying cause of tinnitus remains unclear
While we acknowledge a relationship between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still unsure what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s producing that impact is a lot less obvious.
Clearly, research is ongoing.
As we get a better sense of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, individuals will have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision on which form of cannabinoid to pick.
caution:
There’s been no lack of advertising hype involving cannabinoids in recent years.
That’s mostly because perceptions are changing about cannabinoids (and, to a degree, is also an indication of a desire to shift away from opioids).
However, new research has illuminated the potential drawbacks of cannabinoids, specifically for individuals who care about their auditory health, showing that these substances can have undesirable impacts on hearing.
Studies have established an obvious link between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
If you have tinnitus and are worried about it, it’s a good idea to stay away from CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements supporting their benefits.
It’s worth being cautious 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 assessment, your hearing health is so important.