A web-based smell training application for olfactory rehabilitation following COVID-19
Poster presentation
Smell training is an evidence-based method to treat smell loss. However, existing methods for training at home provide little data about day-to-day changes in olfaction and provide limited means to monitor training activities. We developed a web-based smell training application that allows for daily smell training at home. Unlike previous smell training regimens, the web-based application allows tracking of daily performance on several measures related to olfactory functions. Participants with COVID-19 induced anosmia or hyposmia (TDI < 30.75) are currently being enrolled for the smell training program. All participants are assigned to perform a smell training routine 2 times daily for 8 weeks. Each smell training session includes engaging with 10 household odors for 20 seconds each, rating them on pleasantness and intensity. Data collection is ongoing and will continue during the summer and fall of 2021. The application and preliminary empirical results will be presented at the ECRO 2021 conference, focusing on day-by-day fluctuations in olfactory perception during the recovery period. The results will provide new insights into the recovery phase and inform methods development to optimize smell training interventions. The research is supported by the Swedish Research Council (2020:00266) to J.K.O.