Olfactory Training As a Treatment for Olfactory Dysfunction Post COVID-19
If your sense of smell changed after having COVID-19, this study might be for you. We know many people experienced problems like losing their sense of smell completely (anosmia), having a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia), or smelling things differently (parosmia). This study aims to see how effective 'smell training' is in helping these problems improve. We will compare two different groups of smells used for training – one group will use rose, orange, clove, and eucalyptus, while the other will use cheese, coffee, strawberries, and lemon. We'll measure participants' sense of smell before and after 12 weeks of training to see which method works best and helps people smell more normally again.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people found their sense of smell changed or disappeared after having COVID-19infection. This can be really frustrating and affect daily life. Scientists have found that a technique called "smell training" might help to improve these problems, especially if your sense of smell hasn't fully recovered.
This research project wants to find out the best way to do smell training. We'll be comparing two different sets of smells. One group will train themselves using common scents like rose, orange, clove, and eucalyptus. The other group will use a different set of scents, including cheese, coffee, strawberries, and lemon. By comparing these two approaches over 12 weeks, we hope to learn which smells are most effective in helping people recover their sense of smell after COVID-19.
The main goal is to see if smell training can really make a difference and help people smell more normally again. We will carefully measure participants' ability to smell things and ask them about how their sense of smell affects their everyday life, looking particularly at whether smell training helps with odd or distorted smells (parosmia).
Key takeaways
- This study explores if smell training can help people whose sense of smell changed after COVID-19.
- It compares two different sets of smells for training: rose, orange, clove, eucalyptus versus cheese, coffee, strawberries, lemon.
- Participation involves 12 weeks of home training and two clinic visits for smell tests.
- The goal is to find the most effective smell training method.
- This study doesn't involve any medication.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to have had COVID-19 and still be experiencing problems with your sense of smell because of it. You also need to be at least 18 years old.
It’s important that you can understand and read French, as the study materials and conversations will be in French. You'll also need a computer or device with internet access and an email address.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you had problems with your sense of smell before getting COVID-19, or if you have certain medical conditions like chronic sinus problems, a history of head and neck cancer treatment, or certain brain conditions (like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease). If you've had certain surgeries on your nose or sinuses, or a severe head injury, you also wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did you get COVID-19 and still have smell problems because of it?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you read and understand French?
- Do you have internet access and an email address?
- Did you NOT have smell problems before COVID-19?
- Have you NOT had certain serious medical conditions or head injuries?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join, you'll first have an initial meeting at a lab for about an hour and a half. Before this, you'll be asked not to smoke, eat, or drink anything other than water, and not to wear perfume for an hour. During this meeting, a research assistant will ask you some questions about your health and background, and you'll complete a few tests to measure your sense of smell and how it affects your quality of life.
After this first meeting, you'll receive a 'smell training kit' and learn how to use it. You'll then do the smell training at home every day for 12 weeks. You'll be using the scents provided in your kit as instructed.
After 12 weeks, you'll have a final meeting, which will be similar to your first one. You'll repeat the same smell tests and questionnaires to see if your sense of smell has improved. Again, you'll need to avoid smoking, eating, drinking (other than water), and wearing perfume for an hour beforehand. The total time you'll be involved in the study, including the training, will be about 12 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Université du Québec à Trois-RivièresVerified postcodeTrois-Rivières, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'smell training'?
Smell training involves regularly sniffing a set of strong smells over time to try and help your sense of smell recover and improve.
How long will the study last if I join?
If you join, the study will involve about 12 weeks of smell training at home, plus two visits to a clinic – one at the beginning and one at the end.
Will I have to take any medicine?
No, this study does not involve taking any medications. It's all about using different smells for training.
What if my sense of smell doesn't get better?
There's no guarantee your sense of smell will fully recover. However, your participation will help us learn more about the best ways to treat smell loss after COVID-19.
Do I need to speak French?
Yes, you need to be able to read and understand French to participate in this study.
How to find out more
Johannes A Frasnelli, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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