A recent study conducted by researchers has found that cannabis may hold promise in providing relief for tinnitus sufferers. The study was a first of its kind to assess perspectives and usage patterns of cannabis in patients with tinnitus. It was also the first that showed that patients commonly turn to cannabis for symptom relief.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, with no external source of sound. Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax build-up, and even certain medications.
While there is no known cure for tinnitus, there are several treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. These include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication. With the promising results of the recent cannabis study, patients suffering from tinnitus may have another treatment option to consider.
Importance of Tinnitus Cannabis Research
The authors of the study believe that these findings could serve as the groundwork for future research. They are also hopeful they can move forward with clinical trials on cannabis use for tinnitus alleviation. The authors also noted that an understanding of patient attitudes towards cannabis use is a prerequisite to exploring its potential use in clinical practice.
The study’s findings are encouraging, with 80% of patients currently using cannabis reporting that it helps with tinnitus-related symptoms. Patients cited improvements in dizziness, auditory symptoms, emotional difficulties, pain, sleep disturbances, and functional difficulties. Furthermore, 96% of patients expressed interest in using cannabis as a treatment for their tinnitus.
According to the study’s authors, “The results of this study demonstrate an active interest amongst patients with tinnitus to consider cannabis as a potential adjunctive treatment for symptom management. Moreover, cannabis use is both common and can be beneficial in this patient population.
This research also further extends prior research published in 2020.
Cannabis & Tinnitus
The study’s authors also noted that cannabis use is common amongst patients with tinnitus. Additionally, they noted most participants said they would consider cannabis as a treatment option to manage their symptoms. However, physicians must be aware that most patients receive their information on cannabis from non-medical sources. Otolaryngologists can develop an understanding of patient attitudes and usage patterns to guide patient counseling on the use of cannabis for symptoms associated with tinnitus.
An otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the ears, nose, and throat.
Patients suffering from tinnitus often find a shocking lack of effective treatments. The authors noted that anti-epileptic drugs have been studied as pharmacological treatments for tinnitus. However, there is insufficient evidence to support their use.
In Summary
Overall, the findings of this study offer hope for those who suffer from tinnitus and searching for effective treatment options. With further research and an open-minded approach to alternative treatments, the medical community can work towards providing relief for those experiencing tinnitus.
