According to the first scientific studies conducted on this subject, CBD could alleviate certain symptoms related to tinnitus. By interacting with your endocannabinoid system, and in particular with CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD would be able to regulate hearing disorders such as tinnitus.
For the moment, this hypothesis is based solely on studies carried out on rodents, but the results are nevertheless promising. Given the lack of drug treatment, CBD seems to be an effective, gentle and natural alternative to remedy this problem. In this article, discover how CBD acts on tinnitus and how to consume it to fight against this hearing disorder.
What is tinnitus?
Before talking about the beneficial effects of CBD on tinnitus, it seems essential to put words on this condition so widespread, yet so little understood. First of all, it is important to know that tinnitus is often related to damage to the inner or middle ear. These lesions can be caused by too much sound or pressure. For example:
- music that is too loud in headphones or at a concert;
- using a jackhammer or chainsaw in your daily life;
- flying or scuba diving.
However, tinnitus can also be caused by an underlying health problem such as:
- stress, anxiety and depression;
- high blood pressure;
- high cholesterol;
- sinus or ear infections;
- autoimmune disease;
- cardiovascular disease;
- a tumor on the listener's nerve.
Whatever the cause, tinnitus is an internal buzzing sound that may be continuous or intermittent. This ringing can occur in one or both ears. Some patients describe whistling, popping, while others describe roaring and piercing noises. In some cases, tinnitus is the first sign of hearing loss.
In particular, tinnitus is most annoying in quiet moments. As a result, tinnitus sufferers usually find it very difficult to fall asleep and concentrate, as they are always disturbed by the internal noise.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus yet. Most of the time, doctors try to treat the health problem that causes the problem, but they cannot directly relieve the tinnitus. As a result, patients are forced to get used to living with it. But in recent years, therapeutic cannabis has become more widely available and offers a glimmer of hope for the millions of people who suffer from this hearing condition.
What are the effects of CBD on tinnitus?
Thanks to scientific research, we know that CBD interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system, and more specifically, on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors play an important role in the ENT system, especially for hearing and balance. By acting as a regulator, CBD could alleviate some of the causes of tinnitus and thus fight the root of the problem.
For the moment, no study has yet proven the effectiveness of CBD to eliminate tinnitus. On the other hand, it could be able to alleviate some of the disorders that cause tinnitus, as well as some of the symptoms that result from it.
Stress, anxiety and depression
Tinnitus may be related to a deficiency in the brain's serotonin system, a neurological network that regulates stress, anxiety, depression, but also learning and concentration. When CBD activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it naturally regulates the nervous system and the production of serotonin. As a result, stress and anxiety levels are reduced and a sense of well-being is achieved. Anxiety can be a cause and a consequence of tinnitus. This is why its use is very interesting, both to prevent and to cure tinnitus.
Sleep disorders
Most tinnitus sufferers are also affected by sleep disorders, as the ringing noise prevents them from sleeping. Lack of sleep increases stress and anxiety, the ringing intensifies, and a vicious cycle gradually begins. If you suffer from tinnitus and insomnia, you can take CBD to get back to a peaceful, deep and restful sleep.
How to use CBD to combat tinnitus?
CBD comes in many different forms, so it's important to choose a format and dosage that truly works for you. To consume CBD in a healthy way, and without any danger to your health, you have the choice between the oral route, the sublingual route, and inhalation.
The oral route
To consume CBD orally, you can pour a few drops ofCBD oil into your food and drinks. You can also use the flowers or resins of CBD, crumble them, and incorporate them into your culinary preparations. Always remember to add a fat to help dissolve the cannabinoids.
The sublingual way
To consume CBD by the sublingual route, you can put a few drops ofCBD oil, or CBD crystals, directly under your tongue. The cannabinoids will be absorbed by your mucous membranes and the relaxing effects will appear after a few minutes. If you have never used CBD before, this is certainly the easiest way to start.
Inhalation
To inhale CBD, it is strongly recommended to use a quality vaporizer and not to use tobacco. Indeed, the vaporizer is an accessory that allows you to inhale flowers, resins or CBD wax in a totally healthy way. By choosing inhalation, the soothing effects will be almost instantaneous.
Can taking CBD make tinnitus worse?
A few years ago, a scientific study conducted on lab rats revealed that CBD could worsen tinnitus in some subjects. That said, the study has never been conducted on humans before. Although we are still lacking in hindsight, no consumer has yet complained of worsening their condition because of CBD. On the contrary, CBD is generally very effective in regulating the body, reducing stress and anxiety, but also in restoring quality sleep.
Does CBD have a psychological effect on tinnitus relief?
For some patients, it is indeed possible that CBD has, in part, a psychological or placebo effect. As a substance that regulates the endocannabinoid system, eliminates stress and invites relaxation, many users have seen their chronic pain and discomfort subside, and not only in the context of hearing disorders. Psychologically and physically, CBD contributes to your good health, happiness, and well-being.