A new study by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Center shows a link between severe COVID symptoms and long-term sensory loss.
The more severe your symptoms, the more likely you are to lose your smell and taste, and the less likely you are to ever regain them.
A doctor involved in the study says long-term loss of senses can lead to depression and nutritional deficiency.
There is currently no cure for sensory loss.
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“Not a whole lot that can be done, although some data are emerging that smell retraining can be very helpful,” said Dr. Neil Bhattacharyya.
Sensory retraining is a series of exercises that can help reset how your brain interprets your senses.
The treatment doesn't always work, but doctors say they're ramping up research to find a cure.