A test for the screening of taste function

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • T. Hummel - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Pennsylvania (Author)
  • A. Erras - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • G. Kobal - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)

Abstract

The overall aim of the present study was to investigate a new method for the screening of taste function in a clinical context. Instead of dripping liquids onto the tongue, thin edible wavers were used. One-hundred healthy subjects participated in the study (41 male, 59 female; mean age: 52 years; age range: 20-89 years). Supra-threshold taste stimuli were presented as flavoured wavers made from flour and water. Sequential testing was performed regionally on the anterior one-third of the tongue and as whole mouth testing. When comparing ratings for the 5 different wavers separately for regional and whole mouth testing, differences between qualities only emerged for regional testing. Women were found to have less difficulty in taste identification which was most pronounced for regional testing. No effects of the subjects' age were observed. In conclusion, the wavers were found to be easy to use; they have a shelf-life of 2 to 3 years and can be carried in the pocket. The results indicate that the wavers may be suited for the screening of gustatory function, especially in a clinical setting.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)146-148
Number of pages3
JournalRhinology
Volume35
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1997
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 9532631
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/153110431

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Gustation, Identification, Thresholds