what is an olfactory test?

explanation

If you suffer from a impaired smell, an olfactory test can be done to properly assess your smell. It is possible to have a smell test done at KNO Medisch Centrum. This will give you and your ENT doctor a good idea of how good or bad you smell.

An olfactory test can also be used to monitor the progress of your complaints and to measure whether your smell is improving or worsening.

Why an olfactory test?

Why

To get a clear picture of the seriousness of your complaints, it is possible to map out the sense of smell. We can also use the smell test to see how your sense of smell compares to your peers.

It is also possible to test the taste.

How do you prepare?

preparation

Do not use perfume or aftershave on the day of the olfactory test. 

You are not allowed to eat or drink anything 15 minutes before the olfactory test. Water is allowed. 

You are not allowed to smoke or chew chewing gum prior to the olfactory test.

What happens during the olfactory test?

solution

With an interview and an the ENT doctor tries to find out which olfactory disorder you have. The examination of the nose  takes place with a flexible tube containing a lamp and a camera. This examination takes place without anesthetic and is generally well tolerated. Depending on your situation, you will be given a smell test. The doctor’s assistant at the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic performs the test.

Smell Test 

You smell a scented stick and point to a card with 4 different scent options what you think you smell. It is important that you always give 1 answer, even if that means that you have to gamble. This is necessary to calculate the result of the test. This takes into account the chance that you guess a correct answer. 

Taste test

You get to taste various sticks with a taste. You must indicate which flavor you recognize.

After the smelling test?

after the investigation

After the tests, the ENT specialist will discuss the results with you. 

When to contact us?

contact

If you have any questions, please contact KNO Medisch Centrum on +31 85-7602728. You can also email info@knomc.nl

This patient information has been compiled with the utmost care. It concerns general information. This information is not legally binding. © KNO Medisch Centrum / www.knomc.nl