Recovering from COVID: My Journey with Lost Smell and Dull Taste

I had a moderate case of COVID in late 2020 that required a stay of 28 days in the hospital. Unfortunately, my sense of smell did not return until four months later and even then, it is still not as sensitive as it was before the pandemic. Some scents have also seemed to be permanently lost to me.

Is This Normal?

I know that is a very common question and even though every person's recovery process can be different, I can only share my experience. If after a moderate case of COVID you still have both senses, it could be considered a positive sign. After all, not everyone among the many reported cases of COVID-19 experiences loss of smell or taste.

My Personal Experience

Additionally, at the beginning of last October, I had a severe case of COVID-19 and was hospitalized for three weeks. I did not lose either my sense of smell or taste, though my taste changed significantly. However, I did become very hard of hearing and I had to be fitted with hearing aids in January. Progressively, I noticed an improvement in my hearing, as evidenced by two more hearing tests, which showed a slight improvement. Though I acknowledge that my hearing will not fully recover, the gradual improvement gives me hope that other senses may also recover over time. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the negativity of these effects will decrease with time.

It is important to note, however, that improvements might be gradual and not immediate, so patience is key.

Research and Evidence

It is not without support in initial evidence to suggest that while some people lose their sense of smell, taste, or both with COVID-19, others do not. To date, there is no clear evidence to suggest that one can contract COVID-19 and still retain their sense of smell and taste. Similarly, there is no definitive evidence to imply that these senses cannot be maintained. More research is needed in this area to provide clearer guidance and understanding of how various senses are impacted post-COVID-19.

It's also important to remember that each case of COVID-19 and its impacts can vary greatly. While I have not been able to smell or taste strongly for more than seven months, there are many others for whom the impacts of the virus have been less severe. And, as we all know, many others were infected with COVID-19 without experiencing any noticeable symptoms.

If you're reading this and feeling concerned about your own recovery, remember to stay optimistic and monitor your health closely. Patience and the passage of time can often bring positive changes, as demonstrated by my gradual improvement in hearing.

Lastly, thank you, Chet, for the outstanding question. I hope this information helps and that you too have a wonderful day.