The use of marijuana is now legal in a number of states for medical applications and in numerous other states for recreational use.
So, what are cannabinoids?
A particular group of substances that are found in the marijuana or cannabis plant are referred to as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are sometimes considered to possess extensive healing qualities, but established research indicates there could also be adverse effects such as a strong connection between cannabinoid usage and the progression of hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.
What are the different kinds of cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of forms and usages.
Beyond its many nicknames, including weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has more comprehensive value that exceeds its nicknames.
Cannabinoids are now available in forms including oils, sprays, capsules, and more.
Depending on the state, and according to federal laws, various types of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties remain prohibited if their THC density exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not uncommon for individuals to remain quite wary of cannabinoids.
The issue is that we don’t presently understand some of the long-term side effects or complications of cannabinoid use.
For example, new findings reveal how cannabinoids can impact your ability to hear.
Cannabinoids and hearing loss
A wide variety of health problems and medical conditions are thought to be helped by cannabinoids.
Some research indicate that cannabinoids might ease nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
So scientists decided to see if cannabinoids could help with tinnitus, too.
While studies are ongoing, cannabis use could also potentially affect your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can possibly bring about elevated blood pressure as one of its side effects.
Persistent high blood pressure has the potential to damage 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 known as tinnitus. - Ototoxicity: Some compounds found in cannabis may be harmful causing hearing issues and ringing in the ears as a result of their ototoxic properties.
Using cannabinoids can indeed lead to the progression of tinnitus.
Based on the research, more than 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 signs of tinnitus. Additionally, people who used marijuana were substantially more prone to reporting tinnitus symptoms within 24 hours.
Additional studies have indicated that using marijuana may worsen the ringing sensation associated with tinnitus in individuals who already experience this condition.
Simply put, there’s some very strong evidence that tinnitus and cannabinoids don’t really mix all that well.
The potential negative impact of cannabinoids on tinnitus symptoms
There are a number of tangible ways in which cannabinoids can make your tinnitus experience even more difficult.
First of all, the occurrences of tinnitus symptoms can become more regular, you might notice the buzzing or ringing in your ears more frequently.
Additionally, using cannabinoids might intensify your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be more difficult to ignore.
Cannabinoids have also been found to bring about the onset of tinnitus symptoms.
In other words, starting to use cannabinoids might lead to the onset of tinnitus symptoms, even if you didn’t experience them before.
The root cause of tinnitus remains uncertain
Though we recognize the link between tinnitus and certain triggers, we have yet to determine the precise underlying reasons.
Cannabinoids might affect the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it still remains unclear why.
Obviously, research will continue to be conducted.
People will be equipped to make a practical decision regarding which of the many forms of cannabinoids to pick from as we get deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.
The treatment that’s too good to be true
Cannabinoids have gotten considerable recognition and publicity in the market over the last several years.
That’s partly because opinions are transforming about cannabinoids (and, to a degree, is also a sign of a desire to move away from opioids).
But this new research makes it obvious that cannabinoids can and do give rise to some unfavorable consequences, particularly if you’re worried about your hearing health.
Tinnitus and cannabinoids are unmistakably linked based on current research.
If you have tinnitus and are concerned about it, it’s a good idea to avoid CBD oils despite the numerous advertisements supporting their benefits.
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, you shouldn’t wait to schedule a hearing exam, your hearing health is so essential.