Numerous states currently allow the utilization of marijuana, THC, or cannabinoid compounds for medicinal applications, and many states have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes.
Let’s take a look at what characterizes cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are classified as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some people strongly believe that cannabinoids have extensive healing properties, yet prevailing studies indicate that there could be unfavorable effects, including a considerable link between the use of cannabinoids and experiencing hearing issues including hearing loss or tinnitus.
What are the different forms of cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are now available in a variety of formats and usages.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, such as weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has broader value that goes beyond its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in forms consisting of oils, sprays, capsules, and more.
The forms of cannabinoids available will differ state by 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 issue is that the complete magnitude of the potential risks and repercussions related to cannabis use over an extended period remains uncertain.
For instance, new findings demonstrate how cannabinoids can affect your hearing ability.
Investigating the connection between cannabinoids and hearing impairment
A large variety of ailments and medical conditions are thought to be helped by cannabinoids.
Seizures, nausea, vertigo, and more appear to be helped by cannabinoids, according to some research.
So scientists decided to see if cannabinoids could help with tinnitus, too.
While studies are ongoing, cannabis use could also potentially impact your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can potentially bring about raised blood pressure as one of its side effects.
Continual high blood pressure can harm blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. This can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). - Ototoxicity: Some substances found in cannabis could be harmful causing hearing problems and ringing in the ears as a result of their ototoxic properties.
Using cannabinoids can indeed result in the development of tinnitus.
Studies have shown that more than one in five people who ingested cannabis-based materials disclosed experiencing tinnitus, identified by a persisting ringing sound in the ears.
Prior to the study, the individuals involved did not experience any indications of tinnitus. Additionally, those who used marijuana were dramatically more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.
Additional research suggested that marijuana use might exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in people who already deal with tinnitus.
Put simply, there’s some really strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix all that well.
How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse
Cannabinoids can intensify your tinnitus in a few concrete ways.
Initially, episodes of tinnitus symptoms may happen more frequently, and the persistent humming or ringing sound in your ears might become increasingly apparent.
Additionally, employing cannabinoids may worsen your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to overlook.
The beginning of tinnitus symptoms has also been linked to cannabinoids.
Or, said another way: after you start using cannabinoids you could experience tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.
The root cause of tinnitus remains uncertain
While we observe a link between tinnitus and specific triggers, we’re still unsure what the actual underlying causes are.
Cannabinoids can have an effect on the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus. But what’s producing that impact is much less clear.
Of course, research will continue to be conducted.
Individuals will be equipped to make a practical choice regarding which of the many types of cannabinoids to choose from as we acquire deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.
The miracle cure beware
There’s been no lack of advertising hype involving cannabinoids in recent years.
A key factor is the changing public opinion regarding cannabinoids, which also echoes an increasing interest in exploring alternatives to opioids.
But this new research makes it clear that cannabinoids can and do produce some unfavorable consequences, specifically if you’re concerned about the health of your hearing.
Studies have established an obvious connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
So no matter how much marketing you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should probably avoid them.
It’s worth being cautious when the link between cannabinoids and tinnitus has been so solidly established.
If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, don’t wait to schedule a hearing assessment, your hearing health is so essential.