Can Smoking Weed Cause Tinnitus?

[JCB1995]

Hi guys,

My tinnitus started in my left ear in early November which gradually got louder day by day. The doctor prescribed antibiotics thinking I had an ear infection. This made me feel worse.

About 2-3 weeks ago I had my ear microsuctioned as there was excessive wax. Afterwards my tinnitus felt a lot better, only hearing it slightly.

However, over the last week it's gradually got worse again and I'm really struggling to sleep at night when it seems aggressive and I'm getting major anxiety/panic attacks. It's all I think about at the moment. I can also hear it in my right ear but nowhere near as loud.

Could this worsening be from the microsuction, some kind of delayed negative effect?

My mental health these past few days has been really bad, thinking how can I live like this for the rest of my life, what's the best way to cope and is there any chance this can go away.

Is smoking weed a big trigger for tinnitus, as I've been a heavy smoker for the last 7-8 years?

Thanks.

 

[buttercake]

There seems to be something in the medical literature:

An association between marijuana use and tinnitus

 

[JCB1995]

I guess it's time to quit the weed but the stress from tinnitus makes it difficult.

 

[HeavyMantra]

Cannabis can make your tinnitus appear louder. Most people report temporary spikes, some feel their spikes last for weeks or permanently.

It probably didn't cause it: nobody can explain how this would work as far as I know, yet some people believe there is a link (anecdotal reports).

Both antibiotics and microsuction are known to cause tinnitus. Weed, well, I personally think it can possibly "activate" tinnitus if hearing damage is already present. Just my hunch.

 

[JCB1995]

Yes it definitely spikes after a smoke now, it is putting me off weed but the stress from tinnitus is making me want to smoke. Just gutted this has happened to me so young

 

[ajc]

Yes it definitely spikes after a smoke now, it is putting me off weed but the stress from tinnitus is making me want to smoke. Just gutted this has happened to me so young

There are much healthier ways to relieve stress than smoking weed.

Exercise. Meditation.

 

[Gr8fulDude]

Cannabis can make my T louder if I notice it, but it never agitates me. Nothing better than exercise and meditation, especially in stressed times. Instead of looking to weed to de-stress you, maybe ease back for a bit and save it for times when you can truly relax, hopefully really soon!

 

[Gary Pitts]

Smoking 3-4 hits is what started my tinnitus! I'm 65 and used to smoke all the time up until maybe 30 years ago. I wanted to try it again for pain relief for my neck pain caused by stenosis. Got some and had 3-4 hits the first night and it was great. Felt good. Very good pain relief. 2nd night, 3-4 hits, got paranoid, and the T started. Turned on like a switch. That was just over 2 years ago and here I am still. Both my PCP and the ENT I went to said there's no correlation, but I am certain it wasn't just coincidence. Fortunately it is only moderate. I have some good days where it doesn't bother me, but is there. Other days it spikes and makes me just want to go to bed.

 

[arctic_penguin]

I got tinnitus while I was high, listening to music, and it was permenant. Before weed, I had it a few times, but it faded after a day or two. Weed and any drugs that alter the mind can cause issues. They teach not to do drugs in school, but don't teach how DANGEROUS headphones and subwoofers are.