A Life Without Smell: Olfactory Function in People Working in Odorless Rooms

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives: Odorous stimulation helps to maintain or to improve olfactory function. In contrast, odor deprivation has been suggested to facilitate olfactory impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of odor deprivation in people working in an odorless environment. Methods: Fifty people working in an odorless environment for extended periods of time and 50 people not working in such environments were recruited. The participants were examined for olfactory function (using Sniffin’ Sticks), nasal airflow (using peak nasal inspiratory flowmetry), self-rated olfactory function, self-rated nasal airflow, and well-being. Correlation analyses were used to explore the associations between the duration of working in odorless environment and olfaction, nasal airflow, and well-being. Results: The cleanroom workers exhibited slightly, but significantly reduced olfactory scores (sensitivity 7.0 ± 2.5, discrimination 11.4 ± 1.8) compared with controls (sensitivity 8.9 ± 2.5, F = 4.33, p = 0.03; discrimination 12.7 ± 1.6. F = 5.50, p = 0.001), even when controlling for age and rated nasal patency, with their self-rated olfactory function being not affected. The years of working in cleanrooms were negatively associated with olfactory function (r = 0.35, p = 0.013). No significant correlations were observed between scores of olfactory function, nasal patency, and well-being. Conclusion: Compared with controls cleanroom workers exhibited slightly, but significantly lower olfactory scores, nasal peak flow, and well-being. Their decreased odor sensitivity was found to be associated with the number of years they had worked in the cleanroom. Overall, these results may suggest that odorous stimulation supports olfactory functioning. Level of Evidence: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)382-387
Number of pages6
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume134
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 3 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37665094
Mendeley 359ebfe1-17ad-31f6-b6f8-ff9fc9e96c8f
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/150330703

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • nasal flow, odor deprivation, odorless environment, olfaction, well-being, Smell/physiology, Humans, Nose, Olfaction Disorders, Odorants

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