Olfactory training for smell issues after COVID-19

L'entraînement Olfactif Comme Traitement De La Dysfonction Olfactive Post COVID-19

Not applicable Interventional Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières · NCT05384561

This study is testing if a special smell training program can help people who have trouble smelling after having COVID-19 feel better and improve their sense of smell.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversité du Québec à Trois-Rivières Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Trois-Rivières, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05384561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of olfactory training as a treatment for persistent smell dysfunction following COVID-19 infection. Participants will be divided into two groups, each using a different set of scents for training over a 12-week period. The study will assess olfactory function through various tests and questionnaires before and after the training. The goal is to determine which set of scents is more effective in improving olfactory perception and reducing symptoms like parosmia and phantosmia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing persistent olfactory dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing anosmia or hyposmia, chronic rhinosinusitis, or neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from smell impairments post-COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with olfactory training for post-infectious smell dysfunction, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient diagnosed positive for COVID-19 with persistent olfactory dysfunction
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent
* Understand and read the French language
* Have an internet connection and a working email address

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anosmia and hyposmia pre-covid-19
* Be known chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis
* Have received radiotherapy or chemotherapy for Head and Neck Tumors
* Have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis or any other neurodegenerative disease 5. Have a brain tumor or ENT diagnosis 6. History of naso-sinus surgery; 7. History of traumatic brain injury

Where this trial is running

Trois-Rivières, Quebec

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 HyposmiaCOVID-19ParosmiaAnosmiaSARS-CoV-2 InfectionOlfactory trainingChemosensory impairmentsPersistent smell impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.