Application for the Detection of Taste and Smell Disorders Based on Self-Test at the Patient's Home

Background: Olfactory and taste disorders are associated with a variety of conditions, not only those directly affecting the nasal or oral cavity mucosa. In clinical practice, the acuity of the sense of smell is investigated subjectively using a variety of olfactory tests, both screening and diagnostic. The aim of this study was to develop an application that allows a patient to self-administer an olfactory and taste test at home. Methods: In the first stage, a literature review was carried out on the olfactory and taste tests available on the market. In the second stage, the best conditions for storing the ST and TT were investigated. The third stage looked at how well patients of different ages and electronic literacy levels could perform the ST and TT independently. In the fourth stage, the feasibility of using the STT for olfactory and taste screening was assessed. Results: The study used an olfactory test based on the ST and TT used in the Sensory Testing Capsule (STC), which can be used for olfactory and taste screening. Development of the app involved steps of registration, ordering, performing the STT, and read-out of results. Simple instructions for performing the STT were created using graphics to illustrate the steps involved. Conclusions: The app could also be useful in the assessment of smell and taste by speech therapists before implementing multisensory therapy and used in occupational medicine to monitor the state of the sense of smell and taste in people who are occupationally exposed to toxic substances.