Comparative Review of Olfactory Assessment Methods.

Abstract

Background: The measurement of olfaction in research has drawn significant attention due to its critical role in diagnosing and monitoring olfactory dysfunction (OD). Olfactory impairments are associated with various disorders, making accurate and reliable testing essential. Current assessment methods can be categorized into subjective and objective measures. Subjective tools provide information to evaluate an individual's perception and awareness of smells. Conversely, psychophysical (objective) measures provide quantifiable data that can detect olfactory impairments with precision but prove to be time-consuming and costly. The reliability of subjective assessments compared with objective methods remains a topic of ongoing investigation. There is a growing need for a comprehensive and efficient approach to measuring olfaction that balances accuracy, cost, and practicality.

Methods: This scholarly review examines and compares the outcomes of studies that have evaluated different olfactory assessment tools. Each study was chosen for its popularity among current otolaryngology providers. The effectiveness of these tests was analyzed based on sensitivity in detecting OD, ease of administration, and overall cost-efficiency.

Results: Findings highlight the strengths and limitations of both subjective and objective methods. Subjective assessments, while convenient and cost-effective, exhibit variability in reliability due to individual differences in olfactory perception and cognitive biases. Objective tests provide precise and standardized results, but their practical application is limited due to cost, expertise, and duration of testing.

Conclusions: Current olfactory assessments present a trade-off between cost, reliability, and practicality. Objective methods are currently the gold standard, but their limitations necessitate the development of more accessible testing. Future research should focus on refining hybrid models that integrate subjective self-reports with validated objective measures to achieve a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to olfactory assessment.