Olfactory training for patients with smell disorders in Hong Kong

Effect of Olfactory Training on Olfactory Dysfunction Patients in Hong Kong Population

Not applicable Interventional Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital · NCT05364125

This study is testing if a special smell training program can help people in Hong Kong with smell disorders feel better and improve their sense of smell.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorPamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05364125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of olfactory training for patients suffering from various types of olfactory dysfunction, particularly sensorineural causes. The study employs a prospective double-blinded randomized control design, where participants will be assessed for their smell capabilities using standardized tests and will be randomly assigned to either an olfactory training group or a control group. The training involves the use of aromatic substances delivered through an electronic diffuser, aiming to improve patients' olfactory function and quality of life. The trial is set to run from July 2022 to June 2024, focusing on a local population in Hong Kong.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with olfactory dysfunction lasting more than 6 months but less than 5 years.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant head injury, brain surgery, nasal surgery, active nasal or neurological diseases, or those under 18 years old will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the sense of smell and overall quality of life for patients with olfactory dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with olfactory training for COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction, but this approach for other non-COVID-19 causes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Olfactory dysfunction \> 6 months and \< 5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of significant head injury (fracture, ICH)
* History of brain surgery
* History of nasal surgery
* Active nasal disease
* Active neurological disease
* Poor premorbid status/ non-communicable patients
* Mentally incompetent patients
* \<18 years' old
* Pregnancy
* Hypersensitivity to the aromatic substance.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Olfaction DisordersSmell DisordersAnosmiaHyposmiaOlfactory ImpairmentSmell LossSmell Dysfunction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.