Olfactory Threshold Can Be Reliably Tested With Sniffin' Sticks in Non‐Clinical Settings: Associations Shown in a Diverse, General Population

Vollständiger Abstract

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ABSTRACT Objective The olfactory threshold part of the Sniffin' Sticks test is widely used to assess chemosensory function, yet most studies are conducted in controlled laboratory or clinical environments with selective samples. This study examined odour threshold performance with the Sniffin' Sticks threshold test in a large, heterogenous sample, testing whether established associations generalise outside the lab. Method A total of 798 museum visitors aged 18–88 years completed the threshold test and rated their olfactory and gustatory ability, nasal patency, and sensitivity. Participants were classified as normosmic, hyposmic, or anosmic based on threshold scores. Associations with age, sex, health status, smoking, and alcohol use were analysed. Results Threshold performance was positively associated with self‐rated chemosensory ability and negatively with age. Women showed higher performance, greater self‐rated ability, and better nasal patency and sensitivity than men. Normosmic participants were younger and reported higher function than other groups, especially hyposmic individuals. Chronic illness and nasal problems were linked to poorer performance and lower self‐ratings. Smoking related to lower self‐rated olfactory ability but not threshold scores; self‐rated alcohol use showed no effect. The prevalence of anosmia and hyposmia was comparable to epidemiological data. Conclusion The Sniffin' Sticks threshold test provides a valid and practical tool for assessing olfactory sensitivity in naturalistic, non‐clinical settings.