DISEASES OF SMELL AND TASTE - STANDARDS A ND NEW TOOLS IN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES

Compared to disorders of the ears and eyes, diseases of smell and tast e seem to be far less outstanding; however, the unimpaired perception of odours and flavours comprises an important part of our wellbeing, a s can be seen in the parfume industry or in drinking and eating habits . The ENT-specialist covers organic causes of these senses, as he has the tools to explore and treat in the depth of the nasal and oral cavi ties. The ''Arbeitsgemeinschaft Olfaktologie/Gustologie der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie'' therefore is in process of establishing a new set For a standardised s mell and taste test, which is based in pare on the sniffin'sticks, whi ch were developed by Prof. Kobal, Erlangen, The examination procedure of nasal and oral chemosensory performance requires a high test-retest reliability and an efficiency comparable to internationally establish ed measurements in order to render valid results in diagnostic and the rapeutic procedures. The new test kit with the sniffin'sticks is prese nted in this paper, followed by an overview on some disorders of smell and taste perception and proposals for acutal therapeutic procedures.