Non-contact radiofrequency stimulation to the olfactory nerve of human subjects.

Abstract

Damage to the olfactory nerve, caused by aging, trauma, or neurological disorders, can lead to smell loss, negatively impacting quality of life, taste perception, safety, and emotional well-being. Currently, olfactory training, which involves exposure to aromatic odorants, is the most widely used treatment. While this method provides some benefit, it does not offer a fundamental cure. Developing an approach that directly stimulates the olfactory nerves to restore neural activity is critical for effectively addressing smell loss. This study investigates the effects of radiofrequency (RF) stimulation on the olfactory nerves in healthy individuals to evaluate its potential as a treatment for olfactory dysfunction. An RF antenna was positioned, and the specific absorption rate was verified using 3D modeling. The sensitivity of odor threshold tests with n-butanol and specific odors was assessed in a total of 28 healthy subjects, confirming olfactory nerve stimulation through electrobulbogram measurements. The average odor threshold for n-butanol in 23 subjects was 9.73 ± 2.45. RF stimulation on the olfactory nerve for 5 min at 10-20 W improved the odor threshold score to 15.88 ± 0.25, indicating enhanced sensitivity lasting up to one week. Electrical signals from olfactory nerves significantly increased after RF stimulation compared to pre-stimulation levels, consistent with results for natural odors like grapes and bananas. Unlike chemical-based treatments, RF stimulation avoids discomfort or dissipation of effects and provides sustained nerve activation. These findings demonstrate the potential of RF technology for olfactory training and as a novel treatment for olfactory dysfunction, as well as applications in maintaining odor sensitivity for professionals.