The short version of the SSParoT – A new test for the quantitative screening of qualitative olfactory dysfunction

Objective Loss of olfactory function is clinically tested by means of validated smell tests. However, the assessment of qualitative disorders (e.g., parosmia) has been performed by questionnaires only. This gap has been closed recently by the development of the Sniffin’ Sticks Parosmia Test (SSParoT). The aim of the present study was the assessment of hedonic ratings of odors using the short version of the SSParoT and to compare the results according to the severity of smell loss.

Methods 135 subjects were included (103f, 32m, mean age/standard deviation 38.1/16.0 years). Smell function was tested with the Sniffin’ Sticks test battery (TDI) and hedonic ratings of odors were assessed with the SSParoT (4 pairs, Hedonic Range-HR and Hedonic Direction-HD).

Results 55 patients were tested hyosmic (mean TDI/SD 26.1/2.3) and 31 anosmic or severely hyposmic (16.9/4.0). 58 out of 86 hyposmic/anosmic subjects (67.4%) stated parosmia; whereas only 23 out of 49 subjects with TDI>31 had parosmia (46.9%). HD-scores were significantly more negative in patients with parosmia (-0.59) compared to patients without parosmia (-0.13, p=0.02).

Conclusion We could show differences of hedonic ratings of odors in patients with olfactory dysfunction with and without parosmia by use of a new psychophysical tool. HD-score below -0.1 could be useful as cut-off for parosmia. The short version of the SSParoT might be useful for the management of patients with qualitative olfactory dysfunction.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023