CBD and tinnitus: Is it an effective treatment?

by Higea CBD | 15 Apr, 2023 | Diseases

Whistling or ringing in the ears is a condition experienced by many people and is called tinnitus. Below we will see what it consists of, what causes it, and if CBD can be used for the treatment of tinnitus.

Let’s not forget that there are many benefits of CBD, thanks to its multiple properties, which can help to combat this condition.

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What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external sound source. It is commonly described as a ringing, hissing or buzzing sound in the ears, although the perceived sound can take many different forms.

Tinnitus can be experienced in one or both ears, and can be constant or intermittent. It is now known to be a common condition affecting up to 15% of the population.

What are the causes?

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Exposure to loud noise

Prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as in a noisy work environment, at a concert, or through headphones, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. This damage can result in tinnitus.

Age-related hearing loss

It is a fact that as we age, the hair cells in the inner ear naturally deteriorate. As a result, the aging process combined with this deterioration can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.

Cerumen blockage

Another of the most common causes of tinnitus is excess earwax. This is because earwax can block the ear canal, ultimately causing tinnitus.

Ototoxic drugs

Certain medications, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics, can also cause tinnitus as a side effect.

Medical conditions

Tinnitus can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma and high blood pressure. Not only that, it is believed that the perception of tinnitus arises from abnormal neuronal activity in the auditory system.

When hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, they can send abnormal signals to the brain, which can be interpreted as sound. In addition, changes in neuronal activity in the brain can cause tinnitus even in the absence of hearing damage.

Best treatments for tinnitus

There is currently no known cure for tinnitus. The good news is that there are a variety of treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.

Treatments include:

Sound therapy: This type of therapy involves the use of external sound sources, such as white noise or music, to help mask tinnitus and provide relief.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This is recommended because it can help people learn coping strategies to manage the psychological distress associated with tinnitus.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, may be helpful in controlling tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus retraining therapy: In this case it is a therapy that involves the use of sound therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The goal is to retrain the brain to perceive tinnitus as less bothersome.
Hearing aids: If hearing loss is also present, hearing aids can help improve overall hearing and reduce the perception of tinnitus.

It is important to note that in some cases, addressing the underlying cause of tinnitus, such as removing excess earwax or discontinuing ototoxic medications, may alleviate symptoms.

Benefits of CBD for tinnitus

There is some evidence to suggest that cannabidiol CBD may offer benefits for people with tinnitus. While research in this area is still limited, here are some potential benefits of CBD for tinnitus:

Anti-inflammatory effects

Research has revealed that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for people with tinnitus. It should be noted that inflammation in the inner ear can cause damage to the hair cells responsible for transmitting sound, which in turn can lead to tinnitus.

Consequently, by reducing inflammation, Higea CBD CBD oil can help protect these cells and reduce the severity of tinnitus.

Neuroprotective effects

CBD has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which may also be beneficial for tinnitus sufferers. As mentioned above, tinnitus is believed to arise from abnormal neural activity in the auditory system.

Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of CBD may help prevent such abnormal activity.

Anxiolytic effects

Tinnitus can become a stressful and distressing condition, so anxiety can exacerbate symptoms. Fortunately, CBD has anxiolytic effects, which can help reduce the psychological distress associated with tinnitus.

Pain relief

Some people with tinnitus experience pain or discomfort in the ear. This is relevant as CBD has been shown to have analgesic effects to relieve pain. This means that it can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition.

Conclusion

While there is limited research on the use of CBD specifically for tinnitus, some studies have found that cannabinoids, including CBD, can reduce the severity of tinnitus.

In addition, anecdotal reports suggest that some people with tinnitus have found relief with CBD. This condition produces many symptoms that can be treated with the use of cannabidiol CBD tinnitus, such as pain, anxiety, or inflammation.

Even if tinnitus occurs during the night, it can make it difficult to fall asleep. Here too, the use of CBD could be useful, as its anxiolytic properties will provide calm and relaxation, allowing you to sleep better.

However, it is important to note that CBD should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for tinnitus or any other medical condition.

Therefore, we recommend speaking with a physician before starting any new treatment regimen, including CBD. In addition, the use of cannabidiol for tinnitus has not been extensively studied, so more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits.