UVA Health Smell Test Research Study

The University of Virginia’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is conducting a research study to better understand how the sense of smell changes based on age, sex, race, and various conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and smell disorders due to upper respiratory infections.

We are seeking:
- Healthy children and adults ages 10 to 90
- Adults ages 30 to 90 diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
- Children and adults ages 10 to 90 diagnosed with anosmia (little or no ability to smell) or hyposmia (reduced ability to smell) due to an upper respiratory viral infection (such as COVID-19, a cold, influenza, or other respiratory disease)

Study Details:
- Healthy Participants (ages 10 to 90): You will take two types of smell tests over a 12-month period and complete surveys. No in-person visits are required, as all smell tests can be completed at home. Participants can earn up to $143 for completing the study.

- Participants with Parkinson’s Disease (ages 30 to 90): You will take three types of smell tests over a 12-month period, with both at-home and in-person tests. There will be three in-person visits, each lasting about 1.5 hours. Participants can earn up to $156 for completing the study.

- Participants with Smell Disorders due to a Viral Infection (ages 10 to 90): You will take three types of smell tests over a 12-month period, with both at-home and in-person tests. There will be three in-person visits, each lasting about 1.5 hours. Participants can earn up to $156 for completing the study.

How It Works:

- Smell tests involve scratching or peeling labels or using pens to release scents, followed by answering questions about each smell.
- Study-related materials are provided at no cost.