Cannabis and Tinnitus
Tinnitus – the perception of a sound when no external noise is present – is an extremely common and often debilitating problem. In fact, around 50 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus and 2 million suffer from such severe symptoms, they struggle to function on a day-to-day basis. While there are several measures you can take to improve tinnitus symptoms, there is currently no cure for the condition. Seeking relief, some tinnitus patients are dabbling with cannabidiol, also known as CBD. CBD has made a major splash in the wellness industry as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including headaches and anxiety. But is there a link between cannabis and tinnitus relief?
Cannabis and Tinnitus
The Difference Between Marijuana and CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound that can be extracted from cannabis, or hemp plants. While hemp plants are very similar to marijuana plants, they contain significantly lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical that creates the psychoactive “high” for marijuana users. CBD users don’t experience a high, but they may experience the plant’s calming effects, in addition to several other wellness benefits. CBD is available in a variety of products, everything from oils and lotions to chocolate truffles, gummy candies, and lip balms.
Can Cannabis Really Ease the Effects of Tinnitus?
Short answer: maybe and no. CBD works thanks to the role of two receptors in the brain, known as CB1 and CB2. Research has shown that CB1 and CB2 may play a role in balance and hearing disorders like tinnitus; however, the research is fairly limited, and the results are mixed. In one 2015 study, researchers used CBD to treat lab rats, and it actually worsened the rats’ tinnitus symptoms. However, CBD has been used to treat some other neurological disorders, like epilepsy.
Overall, studies testing the connection between cannabis and tinnitus have been deemed inconclusive. Cannabis has not been proven as an effective treatment of tinnitus.
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently regulate CBD products, so the quality of CBD-containing supplements is uncertain. If you’re interested in using CBD products for your tinnitus symptoms, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to evaluate your options. Your doctor can tell you if CBD will interact with any medications you’re currently taking, such as blood thinners. If you begin taking CBD, keep a close eye out for side effects like diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
Effective Tinnitus Relief Options
If you’re struggling with tinnitus and not sure where to turn, contact Sound Relief Hearing Center for help. We specialize in tinnitus relief methods and can recommend an individualized treatment plan to get you the relief you deserve. Our team uses only evidence-based treatments to ensure that our patients experience effective, life-changing results. Our treatment methods include Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) using sound therapy as well as hearing aids, counseling, and relaxation techniques.
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Although CBD has been used by many people to help relieve their condition, it is still too early to determine if CBD benefits individuals living with tinnitus. For now, your best bet is to work with a tinnitus specialist who can address your individual symptoms with a unique treatment plan.
When you’re ready to get your tinnitus under control, reach out to Sound Relief Hearing Center in Colorado or Arizona. We are a family-owned and operated audiology practice, so we always have the patient’s best interest at heart. Plus, our state-of-the-art technology ensures that our patients receive the best treatment available. With our unparalleled excellence in the hearing health industry, our dedication to patient care, and our commitment to helping people control and conquer their hearing issues, you can count on Sound Relief Hearing Center. To learn more about us, please browse our website, visit our YouTube channel, or give us a call at 720-344-7600. You can also schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our audiologists. We look forward to hearing from you!