Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Various Sensory Functions - Summary - MDSpire

Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Various Sensory Functions

  • By

  • Ahmad Odeh

  • Veronica L. Formanek

  • Christina Smith

  • Nidhi Jha

  • Junichi Tajino

  • Jessica H. Lewis

  • Lauren Gastineau

  • Shivani Patel

  • Songzhu Zhao

  • Lai Wei

  • Aaron C. Moberly

  • Daniel M. Merfeld

  • Christopher T. Simons

  • Megan J. Kobel

  • Kai Zhao

  • February 27, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To determine the long-term impact of COVID-19 on sensory functions, including smell, taste, chemesthesis, hearing, and vestibular/balance function, and their significance in daily life.

Key Findings:
  • A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients (quantify) report long-term sensory dysfunctions, particularly in smell and taste.
  • Neurological symptoms, including sensory dysfunction, persist in 73-76% of patients 60-180 days post-diagnosis.
  • The study found evidence of both peripheral and central mechanisms contributing to sensory dysfunction.
Interpretation:

The findings suggest that COVID-19 has a lasting impact on sensory functions, which may involve complex mechanisms beyond initial infection, with implications for patient care.

Limitations:
  • The study's exploratory nature limits the generalizability of results.
  • No post-hoc corrections for multiple comparisons were applied, which may affect the interpretation of findings.
  • Potential biases in recruitment may affect the results.
Conclusion:

COVID-19 can lead to significant long-term sensory dysfunctions, necessitating further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments, particularly in areas such as rehabilitation.

Original Source(s)

Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Various Sensory Functions

  • by Ahmad Odeh, Veronica L. Formanek, Christina Smith, Nidhi Jha, Junichi Tajino, Jessica H. Lewis, Lauren Gastineau, Shivani Patel, Songzhu Zhao, Lai Wei, Aaron C. Moberly, Daniel M. Merfeld, Christopher T. Simons, Megan J. Kobel, Kai Zhao

  • February 27, 2026

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