Many people experience hearing loss as they age. It’s estimated that roughly 50% of individuals over 75 have disabling hearing loss, and 25% of those between ages 65 and 74 do.
Ears are made of many different parts and have complicated processes. It’s easy for something to go wrong within the many different parts of the ear, and this can result in hearing loss.
There are four different types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, mixed (a combination of the previous two), and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to know your specific diagnosis. Some options can be considered to improve hearing and prevent further loss.
This condition can be either permanent or temporary. Temporary hearing loss can result from various things, including excessive earwax and loud noises. For example, someone who goes to a loud concert might have a hard time hearing for a short time after they leave. However, if someone regularly plays the drums without ear protection, they will be more likely to have hearing loss than someone with a quieter lifestyle. Hearing loss is permanent and can’t be reversed in most cases.
It’s essential to note that there are different levels of hearing loss. Some people will have more extreme hearing loss, while it can be much more minimal for others.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
There are a wide variety of things that can cause hearing loss. Hearing loss is something that can be individual to every person, so there isn’t a single set list of possible causes.
Some causes of hearing loss include:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Earwax buildup
- Genetics
- Head injuries
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Infections
- Loud noises
- Some prescription drugs
- Stroke
- Tumors
Hearing Loss Signs & Symptoms
If you have hearing loss, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Earaches
- Need to have the TV or music on at a high volume
- Have trouble following a conversation, especially in noisy environments
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Unable to hear high-pitched sounds
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Hearing Loss?
It can be confusing to start having hearing loss, especially if you’re relatively young. If you’re experiencing hearing loss and have a history of cannabis use, you may be wondering: can smoking weed damage your hearing?
It’s very uncommon for cannabis use to be associated with hearing loss in users. A review published in 2021 found that there were instances in which cannabis use led to symptoms like tinnitus, vertigo, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and hearing loss. However, these studies had many limitations, and there is a great need for more in-depth research on how cannabis use can impact hearing.1
On the other hand, there are also some studies that demonstrate it’s possible for cannabis to help with hearing loss and associated symptoms. Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system have been found to play an integral role in auditory processing, potentially protecting against damage.2 While some research has found cannabis to be ineffective in treating tinnitus, other studies have pointed toward cannabis helping to relieve symptoms of tinnitus like dizziness, difficulty concentrating, pain, and difficulty sleeping.3
Overall, we don’t have any research that supports the use of cannabis for hearing loss, but we also don’t have any solid data to suggest that cannabis use can cause hearing loss.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers hearing loss to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes hearing loss or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in more than half the states in the U.S. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Hearing Loss
If you have hearing loss, then you probably understand just how much there is to learn about the topic. It can be overwhelming to know what information you can trust, so take a look at the following questions.
Will cannabis cure my hearing loss?
If you have permanent or temporary hearing loss, cannabis will not cure it.
Can I take an edible to help with my hearing loss?
While the benefits of edibles can be applied to many different conditions, it's not currently known how this form of cannabis could impact hearing loss. However, it’s not likely that edibles will lead to worsening hearing loss.
Can I use CBD for ear infections?
CBD may be an option for reducing pain and inflammation caused by an ear infection.1 It’s typically recommended that you speak with a doctor before using CBD for your ear infection, as the infection may be in its later stages, and other interventions may be necessary before you use CBD.
Is it possible to use essential oils for hearing loss?
Some people believe that essential oils are a possible answer to hearing loss, but there isn’t much scientific evidence to back this claim. If you’re going to use essential oils for this purpose, make sure to speak with a medical professional about the right way to apply them and see if there are any specific oils you should avoid.
Why are my ears clogged after smoking weed?
Feeling like your ears are clogged after smoking isn’t common, but it’s typically not a significant cause for concern. It could be the specific strain you’re smoking that’s leading to this feeling, so consider trying a different option and seeing if your ears still feel that way. If you’re concerned, it may be best to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and see if there could possibly be any underlying causes.
References
- Phulka JS, Howlett JW, Hu A. Cannabis related side effects in otolaryngology: a scoping review. Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 2021;50(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40463-021-00538-6
- Perin P, Mabou Tagne A, Enrico P, et al. Cannabinoids, Inner Ear, Hearing, and Tinnitus: A Neuroimmunological Perspective. Front Neurol. 2020;11:505995. Published 2020 Nov 23. doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.505995
- Mavedatnia D, Levin M, Lee JW, Hamour AF, Dizon K, Le T. Cannabis use amongst tinnitus patients: consumption patterns and attitudes. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023;52(1):19. Published 2023 Feb 24. doi:10.1186/s40463-022-00603-8
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
