Self-Reported Smell and Taste Disorders in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Umar Rehman - , University of London (Author)
  • Carl Philpott - , University of East Anglia (Author)
  • Julian Hsieh - , University of Geneva (Author)
  • Christian A. Mueller - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Basile N. Landis - , University of Geneva (Author)
  • Antje Welge-Luessen - , University of Basel (Author)
  • Andreas Huber - , Tyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated Care (Author)
  • Martin Sylvester Otte - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • Jens Peter Klussmann - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • Matt Lechner - , University of London (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the prevalence, symptom profiles, and quality-of-life (QOL) impact of Smell and Taste Disorders (SATDs) across adult populations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in January 2025 among 2,340 non-institutionalised adults (≥ 18 years) residing in Austria (n = 1,023), Germany (n = 1,031), and Switzerland (n = 286). Participants were recruited via Dynata, an established online research panel whose members had consented to receive survey invitations. Respondents completed the culturally adapted and validated Smell-Qx questionnaire assessing SATDs, aetiology, and quality of life. Multivariable linear regression identified predictors of reduced QOL, measured using the Smell-Qx QoL item. Results: Overall, 40% (n = 945) of respondents reported at least one symptom, with olfactory intolerance (29%, n = 686), phantosmia (27%, n = 622), and parosmia (19%, n = 451) being the most common. Among those with SATDs, 62% reported unchanged or worsening symptoms since onset, and 41% reported decreased life satisfaction. An adjusted analyses showed: phantosmia (p < 0.001) and parosmia (p < 0.001) were the strongest independent predictors of reduced QoL. Conclusion: Qualitative symptoms, particularly parosmia and phantosmia, are prevalent and persistent in the post-COVID population and are strongly associated with diminished quality of life. Although the voluntary nature of survey participation is likely to favour selection bias, probably overrepresenting individuals with more persistent or severe symptoms, the present findings certainly reflect a shifting aetiology of SATDs and highlight the need for targeted treatments, structured care models, and multidisciplinary approaches to address this emerging public health burden.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Mar 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41904299
Scopus 105034658133
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/211722117

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Covid-19, Prevalence, Quality of Life, Smell and Taste Disorders