You’ve probably heard all the rage about CBD and its healing properties and, unfortunately, if you have tinnitus, you may also be hearing a ringing in your ears. Tinnitus can be a major burden on your quality of life, whether it is causing a whistling or a hissing and buzzing, it’s constantly messing with your focus and your daily activities.
While there are growing options for tinnitus relief, it’s important to understand just what causes tinnitus symptoms and how some natural remedies may be the answer for a tinnitus patient.
Tinnitus Troubles
Tinnitus can be identified in many different ways. For some tinnitus sufferers, it can be a high pitched sound, or low-pitched. Tinnitus can also vary in frequency of occurrence. Some patients can experience a pulsing noise, like a heartbeat. While the symptoms of chronic tinnitus can be alarming, it is rarely the sign of a serious medical condition.
The cause of your tinnitus can range from varying triggers including hearing loss, earwax buildup within the middle-ear, and even head or neck trauma. However, experts have found that stress and anxiety can often be the cause for tinnitus symptoms.
Current estimates suggest that anywhere from 48 to 78 percent of tinnitus patients experience anxiety, depression, and other behavioral disorders.
Oftentimes, tinnitus is diagnosed by undergoing a standard hearing test with an audiologist, who will then look further into tinnitus testing if all of these symptoms align. Certain patients may require the use of a hearing aid to alleviate their troubles. That being said, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and stress management are more commonly suggested to combat mental health difficulties that may trigger tinnitus.
Facts about CBD
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that can be extracted from cannabis plants. While CBD is derived from marijuana or hemp, it contains little to no THC, the active chemical that causes a psychoactive high.
This supplement has been shown to have calming properties, promoting the relaxation quality associated with marijuana, without the psychoactive potency of addictive ingredients such as THC. It has been discovered as an effective treatment for joint pain and inflammation, as well as curbing anxiety and stress. Its all-natural origins and efficacy have offered a better alternative to prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs that may carry some concerning side effects.
CBD can be made into just about any product these days, from creams and tinctures to capsules and even CBD drops.
Treating Tinnitus with CBD
While there is no proven medical cure for tinnitus at this time, studies have found that two receptors in the brain have responded to the presence of cannabinoids in the blood stream. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are linked to balance and hearing, and may be the first step in helping a certain degree of hearing loss.
CBD has been known to cure stress and anxiety, perhaps the most common triggers of tinnitus, which in turn proves to be effective in reducing those behaviors related to disorders like PTSD and OCD. It is also a more pleasant all-natural alternative to prescription antidepressants.
By combating stress and other mental health difficulties through a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and proper CBD dosage, the ringing and buzzing that tinnitus patients may experience can be significantly reduced. It is important to take your doctor’s advice when it comes to using CBD drops, creams, or any other product to treat tinnitus, especially depending on the level of cannabidiol and dosage.
It is also important to note that while CBD may be the answer for some patients, it is not as respondent to patients that may be dealing with deeper seated issues regarding hearing loss and trauma. Consult with medical professionals before moving forward with CBD as tinnitus treatment.
