Many states currently allow the utilization of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid materials for medicinal applications, and quite a few states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes.
Let’s take a look at what defines cannabinoids.
A particular group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are frequently believed to possess universal healing qualities, but established research implies there may also be unfavorable effects such as a solid connection between cannabinoid use and the development of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.
What are the different forms of cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of formats and applications.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, such as weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has broader value that goes beyond its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are presently available in forms including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.
The types of cannabinoids available will differ state to state, and under federal law, many types are still illegal if the THC concentration is more than 0.3%.
So it’s not unusual for people to be quite wary of cannabinoids.
The problem is that the full extent of the potential risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended period is still unclear.
One example is the new information about how cannabinoids impact your hearing.
Exploring the relationship between cannabinoids and hearing loss
Cannabinoids are believed to be beneficial for a variety of health issues and medical conditions.
Some research indicate that cannabinoids may relieve nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
Scientists then investigated whether cannabinoids might also provide reprieve for tinnitus sufferers.
While studies are continuing, cannabis usage could also potentially affect your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can possibly result in increased blood pressure as one of its side effects.
Persistent elevated 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 sensation of ringing in the ears referred to as tinnitus. - Ototoxicity: Some of the chemicals in cannabis might be ototoxic, meaning they are toxic to the inner ear. This can also result in hearing loss and tinnitus.
Yes, tinnitus can be triggered by cannabinoid use.
Research has revealed that more than one out of five individuals who consumed cannabis-based products disclosed experiencing tinnitus, characterized by a persistent ringing sound in the ears.
Before the study, the individuals involved did not experience any symptoms of tinnitus. Additionally, those who used marijuana were significantly more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.
Added research suggested that marijuana use may exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in those who already deal with tinnitus.
In other words, research indicates that tinnitus and cannabinoids might not be a good combination.
The potential negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms
There are a couple of concrete ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
At first, episodes of tinnitus symptoms may happen more often, and the persistent buzzing or ringing sound in your ears might become increasingly obvious.
Similarly, your bouts of tinnitus can become more severe when you’re employing cannabinoids. More intense ringing that can be harder to dismiss can be the outcome.
Cannabinoids have also been shown to lead to the beginning of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said differently: after you start using cannabinoids you could develop tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t notice them before.
It’s still not clear what actually causes tinnitus
While we recognize a connection between tinnitus and specific triggers, we’re still unsure what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an effect on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s causing that impact is much less obvious.
Of course, research will continue to be carried out.
As we gain a better sense of how cannabinoids are linked to tinnitus, people will have the information needed to make an educated decision on which type of cannabinoid to choose.
The solution that’s too good to be real
There’s been no lack of advertising hype involving cannabinoids in recent years.
That’s partly because opinions are changing about cannabinoids (and, to an extent, is also an indication of a desire to shift away from opioids).
However, new research has shed new light on the potential drawbacks of cannabinoids, especially for individuals who care about their auditory health, showing that these compounds can have adverse impacts on hearing.
Research has established an obvious link between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
If you have tinnitus and are worried about it, it’s best to steer clear of CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements promoting their benefits.
It’s worth being cautious when the link 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.