What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Cannabis Use Linked to Unexpected Ear Health Risks

Q: Where was this research published?

Published in Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology on February 1, 2026.

Association of Cannabis and Cigarette Use With Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology • February 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

A recent cross-sectional study examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveals surprising connections between cannabis use and ear health. Researchers discovered that regular cannabis users (more than 15 days in 30 days) have nearly twice the likelihood of developing obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD) compared to non-users. This condition affects the middle ear's ability to equalize pressure, which can impact hearing and ear comfort.

The research uncovered additional complex interactions between substance use and ear health. Combined use of cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes was associated with a 2.10 times higher risk of developing OETD. Interestingly, while cigarette use also showed significant associations with ear dysfunction, e-cigarette use alone did not demonstrate an independent link. The study highlights the potential systemic impacts of cannabis consumption that extend beyond typically discussed health considerations.

Importantly, this research represents an early exploration into the potential ear-related health consequences of cannabis use. With 4.9% of adults showing tympanometry findings consistent with OETD, the study calls for further investigation into how different substances might influence ear health. Researchers emphasize the need for additional studies to comprehensively understand the mechanisms behind these associations and their long-term clinical implications.

📄 Original Abstract

To examine the associations between cannabis use-individually and in combination with e-cigarettes or cigarettes-and obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD) among US adults. Cross-sectional review of participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015 to 2018) with complete data on tympanometry and drug and smoking questionnaires (n=2777). Cannabis and e-cigarette use were categorized as never, nonregular, or regular use. Cigarette smoking was categorized as never, former, or current use. OETD was defined as middle ear pressure less than -100 Decapascals. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations. Among US adults, 4.9% (95% CI: 3.4%-7.0%) had tympanometry findings consistent with OETD. Regular cannabis use, defined as >15 days of use in the last 30 days, was significantly associated with OETD (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.02-3.72) in a multivariable model adjusting for e-cigarette, cigarette use, and other relevant demographic and clinical factors. Both ever and regular cigarette use were significantly associated with OETD (OR: 1.62, 5% CI: 1.02-2.56; OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.27-3.74, respectively), while e-cigarette use (ever, nonregular, or regular) was not independently associated with OETD in multivariable models. The combined use of all 3 substances was associated with greater odds of OETD (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.23-3.58). This study suggests that regular cannabis use and combined use of cannabis, e-cigarettes, and cigarettes are associated with greater odds of OETD. Future research is needed to better understand the effect of cannabis, independently and in combination with other substances, on OETD.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
Published: February 1, 2026
PMID: 41398636
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004756

Authors (4)

Kaitlin Hori Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Alexander Cobian Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Tyler Gallagher Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Janet S Choi Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.