Evaluation of factors concerning the olfaction using the Sniffin' Sticks test.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to research the normative values of olfactory function in the Turkish population using the Sniffin' Sticks test and to relate olfactory performance to age, sex, smoking, educational level, and the side examined. It also aimed to compare the results with other countries' normative values, especially Europe, using the same test and procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study was a prospective clinical trial conducted in a tertiary clinic. A total of 100 healthy subjects were included in the study. Of these, 50 were men and 50 were women. The mean (SD) age of the subjects was 37.7 (14.8) years (range, 18-77 years).

RESULTS

Odor scores were lower than the scores of other countries, and the scores decreased significantly with age. There was no relationship between olfaction and sex or smoking. Subjects with a lower educational status had lower scores compared with the scores of median and highly educated subjects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that evaluated the relationship between education level and olfaction. According to the results, the cultural differences, education level, and age seemed to influence odor scores. The Sniffin' Sticks test can be used to assess olfactory performance in a Turkish population, but identification of odors in this test battery may show variability because of local and cultural factors.