Impact of COVID-19 on senses like smell and taste
Official title: Short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on multiple sensory systems
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11013320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how COVID-19 impacts your sense of smell and taste, both right after you get sick and in the long run, especially with new variants and vaccines, to help understand how these changes affect everyday life for people who have recovered from the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $534,389 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020737-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced loss of smell or taste following a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not contracted COVID-19 or those without sensory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how COVID-19 affects multiple sensory systems, particularly focusing on the loss of smell and taste, which are common symptoms of the virus. It aims to understand both short-term and long-term effects of the infection on these senses, especially in the context of new variants and vaccination. By analyzing data from patients who have recovered from COVID-19, the study seeks to clarify the extent of sensory dysfunction and its implications for daily life. The methodology includes patient surveys, sensory testing, and neurological assessments to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of sensory impairments caused by COVID-19, enhancing recovery strategies for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown significant sensory impacts from viral infections, suggesting that this study's focus on COVID-19 is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Kai — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Kai
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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.