The use of marijuana is now legal in a number of states for medical purposes and in numerous other states for recreational use.
Let’s have a look at what defines cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are classified as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some believe that cannabinoids have broad healing qualities, however prevailing researches suggest that there might be adverse effects, including a considerable connection between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing problems like hearing loss or tinnitus.
What are the different forms of cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are now available in a variety of formats and applications.
It’s not just weed (or ganja, or reefer … ok, there are a lot of nicknames for marijuana so let’s move on).
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.
The forms of cannabinoids available will vary state by state, and under federal law, many types are still illegal if the THC content is more than 0.3%.
So it’s still common for individuals to be really cautious about cannabinoids.
The problem is that the total magnitude of the possible risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended time period remains uncertain.
One example is the new data about how cannabinoids affect your hearing.
Exploring the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing impairment
A wide range of ailments and medical conditions are thought to be helped by cannabinoids.
Some studies indicate that cannabinoids may alleviate nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
Scientists then explored whether cannabinoids might also offer reprieve for people suffering from tinnitus.
While studies are continuing, cannabis use 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. Consequently, this damage can result in 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 triggered by cannabinoid use.
Based on the research, over 20% of study subjects who used cannabinoid materials documented hearing a ringing in their ears.
Before the study, the participants did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Furthermore, those who used marijuana were substantially more prone to documenting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.
Additional studies have indicated that using marijuana might exacerbate the ringing experience linked to tinnitus in individuals who already experience this condition.
Put simply, research indicates that tinnitus and cannabinoids might not be a good mix.
How cannabinoids worsen tinnitus
There are a couple of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
To begin with, the incidents of tinnitus symptoms can become more regular, you might notice the buzzing or ringing in your ears more often.
Also, your bouts of tinnitus can become more extreme when you’re using cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to dismiss can be the outcome.
The onset of tinnitus symptoms has also been connected to cannabinoids.
Or, said differently: after you start using cannabinoids you could experience tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.
It’s still not clear what actually causes tinnitus
While we acknowledge a relationship between tinnitus and certain triggers, we’re still uncertain what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an effect on the middle ear and tinnitus symptoms. But what’s producing that impact is far less obvious.
Obviously, research will continue to be done.
People will be prepared to make a practical decision regarding which of the many forms of cannabinoids to pick from as we acquire deeper understanding into their link to tinnitus.
The solution that’s too good to be real
Cannabinoids have garnered considerable interest and publicity in the market over the last several years.
That’s partially because opinions are changing about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also a sign of a need to shift away from opioids).
However, new research has illuminated the potential drawbacks of cannabinoids, especially for individuals who value their hearing health, showing that these substances can have undesirable effects on hearing.
Research has established a clear connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
So regardless of how much advertising you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should most likely avoid them.
It’s worth being cautious when the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so solidly established.
Don’t wait to get a professional evaluation if you’re dealing with tinnitus or hearing troubles – prioritizing your auditory health is crucial for your overall health.