Tinnitus is a noise in the head that has no external source. While it sounds like ringing for some people, it can also sound like whistling, buzzing, chirping, roaring, or even screaming. The sound may appear to be coming from one or both ears, or a distance away. It could be continuous or sporadic, steady or pulsing.
Most tinnitus sufferers who seek medical attention describe it as a subjective, persistent sound, such as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, and most have some degree of hearing loss.
Have you been recently diagnosed with tinnitus and looking to try out CBD? This article highlights some facts about using CBD for tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus?
The auditory nerve carries electrical impulses from the inner ear. It also travels to the auditory cortex in the brain after sound waves have traveled through the ear canal. The brain’s circuits need to receive the proper signals, so when hair cells are injured by, for instance, loud noise or ototoxic medicines, the brain’s processing centers become confused. This causes tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source.
Loud noise, chemicals that harm the nerves in the ear (ototoxic substances), impacted earwax, middle ear issues (including infections and vascular tumors), and aging are all factors that contribute to hearing loss (and tinnitus).
Can CBD Help with Tinnitus?
Tinnitus currently has no cure, but there are measures you can take to seek relief. Experts typically recommend tinnitus relief methods such as using sound therapy and hearing aids, counseling, and relaxation techniques. As such, many people are turning to CBD as an alternative treatment even though research on CBD and tinnitus treatment is inconclusive, and research is still ongoing.
A group of researchers found insufficient evidence to support or refute the claim that cannabis can reduce tinnitus in humans or animals. It concludes by suggesting that more study is required to determine whether CBD has any medical use. Additionally, it notes that there are a lot of clinical data gaps. Furthermore, the effects of CBD on tinnitus have not been investigated in any systematic studies or randomized controlled human trials.
On the other hand, a 2020 study found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects may help ease the anxiety associated with hearing loss and tinnitus. Following a 12-week treatment period, almost 86 percent of participants who adhered to the prescribed regimen reported a reduction in the severity of their tinnitus symptoms. Therefore, before using CBD for tinnitus issue, it’s essential to be well-informed about its components and discuss it with your medical practitioner.
What Is CBD?
Primarily used for recreational purposes, cannabidiol (CBD) is a molecule found in the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant is known by its street names, hemp, and cannabis. CBD is not psychoactive but can produce euphoric feelings like other drugs. And though more evidence is required to validate the efficacy of CBD, research suggests it could be useful in it in treating anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Benefits of Using CBD to Treat Tinnitus
While CBD might not be a tinnitus treatment, it’s vital to understand that it might relieve the typical tinnitus side effects of stress and insomnia caused by anxiety. A study of adults with anxiety found that CBD reduced stress in 79% of patients and improved sleep in 66%. It is also known to help with tinnitus-related memory and attention issues.
According to the 2020 study, CBD may be beneficial for treating hearing loss and tinnitus because of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. There is proof that the body’s endocannabinoid system and the auditory pathway are inextricably linked. According to research, the auditory system contains endocannabinoid receptors, suggesting that CBD and cannabis may impact the ears.
What Should You Look for When Buying CBD Products?
With so many CBD shops popping up, it’s easy to walk in and grab whatever product you see first. However, CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and quality varies significantly between brands and products.
First, decide how you want to consume it. Do you want oils you can vape, smoke, or place under your tongue? Or do you prefer edibles and beverages? Topical creams, ointments, and balms are also other options.
Next, follow these steps to get high-quality CBD products:
- Purchase from a reputable vendor: Consider shopping at licensed dispensaries or online companies that provide information on their growing and manufacturing.
- Buy products that meet USDA standards: Go for domestically grown products that meet the quality control of the USDA.
- Check if it’s lab tested: Ensure third-party labs for content purity and safety verify the products.
- Consider organic products: Check if the products are grown without pesticides and fertilizers that can pass to you.
- Ensure there are no additives: For vapers, it’s best to use products that contain 100% cannabis and no additives. Even using non-vape products, watch out for additives that could cause allergic reactions.
In Conclusion
Research is ongoing on the effects of CBD on tinnitus. However, some studies indicate that CBD oil may help relieve some symptoms associated with tinnitus. But because the FDA does not regulate the compound, the quality of CBD supplements is unknown.
