How COVID-19 affects smell, taste, hearing, and other senses
Short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on multiple sensory systems
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11261626
This project looks at how COVID-19, different variants, and vaccination change people's smell, taste, hearing, and other senses now and over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261626 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll people who have had COVID-19 (and some who have not) and give them tests and questionnaires about smell, taste, hearing, and other sensory functions. They will compare people with different virus variants, vaccination status, and prior infections and will repeat testing over months to years to track recovery or lasting changes. The team will use objective sensory tests alongside self-reported symptom surveys to measure short-term and long-term effects. Findings will aim to show which senses are most affected and which patients are most likely to recover or have persistent problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had or currently have COVID-19—including those with smell, taste, or hearing changes—across different variant infections and vaccination statuses.
Not a fit: People without any history of COVID-19 or without sensory symptoms, and those whose healthcare needs are unrelated to sensory function, are unlikely to gain direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify who is at risk for lasting sensory problems and point to better screening or rehabilitation options.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies showed loss of smell was common with early COVID-19 and many patients recovered, but the effects across multiple senses, newer variants, and long-term outcomes are less well known.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, KAI — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, KAI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.