Where Olfactory Training is Performed
Olfactory training for post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction is performed at home by the patient, not in a clinical setting. 1, 2
Self-Administered Home-Based Protocol
Patients perform olfactory training independently at home twice daily using either commercially available olfactory training kits or common household scents 2, 3, 4
The training requires no specialized equipment or clinical supervision once the patient receives initial instruction on proper technique 1
Duration of each training session is brief (typically a few minutes), making it feasible for patients to incorporate into their daily routine 3, 4
Patient Resources and Instruction
Patients should be directed to validated online resources for proper technique, specifically www.fifthsense.org.uk, which provides comprehensive guidance on how to perform olfactory training correctly 1, 2, 5
Initial instruction can be provided remotely during telemedicine visits or through written materials, eliminating the need for in-person clinical visits to initiate treatment 1
The European Rhinologic Society recommends starting olfactory training immediately upon diagnosis and continuing for a minimum of 3-6 months 2, 5
Clinical Follow-Up Structure
Patients return to the clinic only for objective reassessment, not for the training itself 2, 5
Follow-up visits should occur at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after initiating home-based olfactory training to document progress with repeat psychophysical testing 2, 5
Referral to an otolaryngologist or specialized smell/taste clinic is reserved for patients with no improvement after 3-6 months of self-administered training 2, 5
Training Materials
Commercially available olfactory training kits (such as the Sniffin' Sticks Duft Quartett) can be used, or patients can use common essential oils or household scents 3, 6
The specific scents used are less important than the consistency and duration of training, with typical protocols using 4 different odors exposed twice daily 3, 4