Can CBD Help with Tinnitus?

Posted on by Valley Audiology

Give me a C! Give me a B! Give me a D! What’s that spell? A potential new solution for tinnitus in Concord.

Tinnitus is Common in California

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An estimated 50 million people experience tinnitus across the U.S. That means about one in five residents of Concord suffers from at least an occasional ringing in the ears.

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

Symptoms vary considerably from person to person; some notice only an intermittent noise while others experience constant sound that is difficult to ignore. Tinnitus can cause a host of problems including stress, depression, memory loss and sleeplessness.

Can Tinnitus be cured?

Despite some promising research studies, there is currently no cure for tinnitus. Doctors instead focus on coping strategies to help make symptoms less noticeable and disruptive.

Masking techniques such as white noise therapy, counseling and relaxation exercises are the most common treatment solutions. Medications may help patients handle issues such as anxiety and insomnia, but these vary in effectiveness and may prove habit-forming.

A new study has found that cannabidiol (CBD) might offer a solution for some tinnitus sufferers.

Does research show a connection between CBD and Tinnitus?

Dr. Dennis Colucci of Laguna Hills led a study to determine whether CBD might be beneficial to some people who suffer from tinnitus.

Now is the perfect time for research of this type, as cannabis is gaining acceptance across the U.S. California is one of 11 states that has legalized recreational marijuana use, and many others allow medical marijuana.

For many, the health benefits of CBD outweigh any negatives. It’s non-psychoactive, doesn’t produce a high and appears to offer relief from the symptoms associated with certain medical conditions. The FDA has already approved its use for patients suffering from refractory epilepsy, a move that paves the way for future medical treatments.

Dr. Colucci’s study, published in the August 2019 issue of The Hearing Journal, showed that CBD was effective in reducing the cycle of anxiety and stress experienced by people with tinnitus. They often worry about their ability to adjust to life and ignore the ringing in their ears, which can lead to a worsening of symptoms.

CBD helped patients with tinnitus-related anxiety

“Patients with severe or debilitating tinnitus are often so anxious it can actually turn into a psychopathology,” Dr. Collucci said. “‘How do I get rid of it? How do I stop it? Will it get worse? What do I do?’ These worries are often accompanied by insomnia and an inability to concentrate, which can result in severe depression.

CBD helps patients relax, reducing stress and anxiety. When offered alongside counseling, it can be highly effective in improving their overall quality of life. Dr. Colucci’s study found the benefits continued even after treatment stopped for some patients.

Are Dr. Golucci’s results definitive?

Before the medical community fully embraces CBD as a viable solution, further studies are needed. Dr. Colucci readily acknowledges the fact that the long-term efficacy and safety of cannabis is unknown and that more research into its use in the treatment of tinnitus and hyperacusis is necessary. But he is encouraged by studies such as one published in 2018 in Neuropsychopharmacology Reviews and the 2018 WHO Critical Review Report on CBD, both of which confirmed the potential benefits of CBD.

“With additional research,” he said, “The ability to reduce the effects of neurological and autoimmune disorders using cannabinoids could be just around the corner.”

With a great deal of uncertainty over its effectiveness, your best bet is to meet with an audiologist in Concord or Walnut Creek if you are suffering from tinnitus.

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Our Concord Audiologists Office Locations

Concord
2415 High School Ave #300
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 676-8101
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1220 Rossmoor Pkwy
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
(925) 676-8101