How is Hearing Health Impacted by Cannabis Use?

Researcher Taking a Few Cannabis Buds for Scientific Experiment.

The use of marijuana is currently legal in many states for medical purposes and in several other states for recreational usage.

Let’s take a look at what defines cannabinoids.
A particular group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are known as cannabinoids.
Some people strongly believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, however prevailing studies indicate that there may be negative effects, including a substantial connection between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing troubles including hearing loss or tinnitus.

What are the different types of cannabinoids?

Today, cannabinoids can be taken in lots of forms.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, including weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has more comprehensive significance that exceeds its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in forms consisting of oils, sprays, capsules, and more.

The forms of cannabinoids available will vary state to state, and under federal law, many forms are still illegal if the THC concentration is greater than 0.3%.
So it’s still common for individuals to be really cautious about cannabinoids.

The problem is that the full extent of the potential risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended duration remains uncertain.
For instance, new findings reveal how cannabinoids can impact your sense of hearing.

Cannabinoids and hearing loss

Cannabinoids are thought to be helpful for a wide range of health issues and medical ailments.
Some research suggest that cannabinoids might ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So scientists decided to see if cannabinoids could assist with tinnitus, too.

While studies are continuing, 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.
    Continual 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 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.
According to the research, over 20% of study subjects who used cannabinoid materials documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
Before the study, the individuals involved did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Additionally, individuals who used marijuana were considerably more prone to documenting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.

Additional studies have suggested that using marijuana may exacerbate the ringing sensation associated with tinnitus in people who already cope with this condition.
Put simply, there’s some really solid evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix very well.

How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse

Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
At first, incidents of tinnitus symptoms may happen more frequently, and the constant buzzing or ringing sound in your ears might become increasingly noticeable.
Additionally, employing cannabinoids might aggravate your tinnitus episodes, resulting in louder and more relentless ringing that can be more difficult to ignore.

Cannabinoids have also been shown to bring about the onset of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said another way: after you start using cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.

The underlying cause of tinnitus remains unclear

Even though we recognize the link between tinnitus and specific triggers, we have yet to identify the precise underlying causes.
Cannabinoids can have an impact on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s producing that impact is far less clear.

Of course, research will continue to be done.
As we gain a better sense of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, individuals will have the information needed to make an informed decision on which type of cannabinoid to choose.

The miracle cure beware

Cannabinoids have garnered substantial recognition and publicity in the market over the last several years.
A key factor is the changing public viewpoint pertaining to cannabinoids, which also echoes a growing interest in exploring alternatives to opioids.
However, new research has shed new light on the potential downsides of cannabinoids, specifically for individuals who care about their hearing health, showing that these compounds can have adverse impacts on hearing.

Tinnitus and cannabinoids are definitely connected based on existing research.
So regardless of how much marketing you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should probably stay away from them.
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 difficulties – prioritizing your auditory health is crucial for your overall 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.

Stop struggling to hear conversations. Come see us today. Call or Text