The use of marijuana is now legal in a number of states for medical purposes and in several other states for recreational use.
So, what are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are categorized as a group of compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant.
Some individuals strongly believe that cannabinoids have extensive healing qualities, but existing studies suggest that there may be unfavorable effects, including a considerable link between using cannabinoids and experiencing hearing problems such as hearing loss or tinnitus.
How many types of cannabinoids exist?
Cannabinoids are presently available in a variety of forms and usages.
Beyond its many colloquialisms, like weed, ganja, or reefer, marijuana has more comprehensive value that goes beyond its nicknames.
Oils, mists, pills, and other forms of cannabinoids are currently obtainable.
Depending on the state, and according to federal regulations, different types of cannabinoids will be available, while numerous varieties are still prohibited if their THC concentration exceeds 0.3%.
So it’s not uncommon for people to be very wary of cannabinoids.
The problem is that the full extent of the possible risks and consequences associated with cannabis use over an extended period remains unclear.
For example, new findings show how cannabinoids can affect your ability to hear.
Cannabinoids and hearing loss
Cannabinoids are believed to be beneficial for a variety of health issues and medical ailments.
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids might alleviate nausea, vertigo, seizures, and other symptoms.
Scientists then explored whether cannabinoids might also provide reprieve for tinnitus sufferers.
While research is ongoing, cannabis usage could also potentially impact your hearing:
- High Blood Pressure: Cannabis use can possibly lead to elevated 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 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.
Cannabinoid use can indeed lead to the progression of tinnitus.
Based on the research, over 20% of study subjects who used cannabinoid products reported hearing a ringing in their ears.
And, these subjects had never had tinnitus symptoms before the study. Additionally, marijuana users were 20-times more likely to document experiencing tinnitus symptoms after 24 hours.
Additional research indicated that marijuana use might exacerbate ear-ringing symptoms in people who already deal with tinnitus.
Put simply, research suggests that tinnitus and cannabinoids may not be a great mix.
How cannabinoids make tinnitus worse
Cannabinoids can aggravate your tinnitus in a few specific ways.
At first, incidents of tinnitus symptoms might occur more frequently, and the persistent humming or ringing sound in your ears might become increasingly apparent.
Additionally, employing cannabinoids might intensify your tinnitus episodes, leading to louder and more persistent ringing that can be harder to ignore.
Cannabinoids have also been found to lead to the beginning of tinnitus symptoms.
Or, said another way: after you start employing cannabinoids you could experience tinnitus symptoms even if you didn’t have them before.
The underlying cause of tinnitus remains unclear
While we recognize a relationship between tinnitus and specific triggers, we’re still uncertain what the actual root causes are.
Cannabinoids may affect the middle ear and symptoms of tinnitus, but it’s still uncertain why.
Obviously, research is continuing.
Individuals will be equipped to make a practical choice concerning which of the many forms of cannabinoids to pick from as we acquire deeper insight into their connection to tinnitus.
The solution that’s too good to be real
Cannabinoids have gotten substantial recognition and publicity in the market over the last few years.
A major factor is the shifting public viewpoint pertaining to cannabinoids, which also demonstrates an increasing interest in looking into alternatives to opioids.
But this new research makes it evident that cannabinoids can and do produce some unfavorable repercussions, especially if you’re worried about the health of your hearing.
Research has established an obvious connection between tinnitus and cannabinoids.
So regardless of how much marketing you see for CBD oils, if you’re worried about tinnitus, you should most likely stay away from them.
With the solid link between cannabinoids and tinnitus, it’s a smart plan to use caution.
If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, you shouldn’t wait to schedule a hearing test, your hearing health is so essential.