The utilization of marijuana is currently legal in many states for medical applications and in numerous other states for recreational use.
So, what are cannabinoids?
A specific group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids.
Some people believe that cannabinoids have extensive healing properties, yet prevailing researches suggest that there may be negative effects, including a significant connection between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing troubles such as hearing loss or tinnitus.
How many types of cannabinoids exist?
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 exceeds its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in forms including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.
Depending on the state, and according to federal regulations, various types of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties are still restricted if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for individuals to be quite cautious of cannabinoids.
The problem is that we don’t yet grasp some of the lasting side effects or complications of cannabinoid use.
For example, new findings reveal how cannabinoids can impact your hearing ability.
Cannabinoids and hearing loss
A large variety of health problems and medical conditions are thought to be benefited by cannabinoids.
Some research suggest that cannabinoids may ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So scientists decided to see if cannabinoids could help with tinnitus, too.
While studies are ongoing, cannabis usage could also potentially affect your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: One of the potential side effects of cannabis use is an increase in blood pressure.
Prolonged high 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 loss and the sensation of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus. - Ototoxicity: Some substances found in cannabis may be harmful causing hearing problems and ringing in the ears due to their ototoxic properties.
Yes, tinnitus can be triggered by cannabinoid use.
Based on the research, over 20% of study participants who used cannabinoid materials documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
And, these participants had never had tinnitus symptoms before the study. Additionally, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to document experiencing tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.
Added research indicated that marijuana use could exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in people who already cope with tinnitus.
Put simply, research indicates that tinnitus and cannabinoids may not be a good combination.
How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse
There are a number of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
Initially, incidents of tinnitus symptoms may occur more often, and the constant buzzing or ringing sound in your ears may become increasingly obvious.
Additionally, using cannabinoids might exacerbate your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to ignore.
Cannabinoids have also been found to lead to the onset of tinnitus symptoms.
Basically, starting to use cannabinoids might result in the onset of tinnitus symptoms, even if you didn’t experience them previously.
It’s still not clear what actually causes tinnitus
Even though we recognize the connection between tinnitus and certain triggers, we have yet to determine the distinct governing reasons.
Cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s producing that impact is much less clear.
Obviously, research will continue to be done.
As we gain a better understanding of how cannabinoids are connected to tinnitus, people will have the knowledge needed to make an informed choice on which form of cannabinoid to select.
The solution that’s too good to be true
Cannabinoids have garnered substantial interest and publicity in the market over the last several years.
That’s partially because perceptions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also an indication of a desire to shift away from opioids).
However, new research has illuminated the potential drawbacks of cannabinoids, particularly for individuals who care about their hearing health, revealing that these substances can have adverse effects on hearing.
Studies have established a clear connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
So regardless of how much marketing you see for CBD oils, if you’re concerned about tinnitus, you should probably avoid them.
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, don’t wait to schedule a hearing test, your hearing health is so important.
