Anosmia

Disclaimer

The information contained within this page is for informational and educational purposes ONLY. The information here is NOT intended for diagnostic purposes. Please consult with a health care professional for a diagnosis.

Information

Anosmia is the inability to smell. The olfactory system allows people to smell. However, many people, including myself, do not have the ability to smell.

Some people are born with anosmia. Those who are born with anosmia usually have some sort of midline defect that doesn't allow the olfactory system to develop. Some people acquire anosmia due to cancer, infection, or injury to the olfactory system. Some people lose their sense of smell due to a traumatic brain injury. Some people lose their sense of smell for no reason. Most people will never gain the ability to smell while some may regain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of not being able to smell?

Not able to smell foul odors, such as dirty diapers

What are the disadvantages of not being able to smell?

Not being able to smell things that smell good, such as flowers

How does the lack of smell affect one's ability to taste?

Smell enhances taste from what I understand. It is hard for someone without a sense of smell to eat because he or she cannot smell the food.

What accommodations are needed for someone with anosmia?

Reasonable accommodations can include smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors. Simply asking another person to smell something is a simple accommodation.

My Experiences

Before smoke detectors were invented in the late 1970s, I was not allowed to babysit due to my inability to smell.

I've never been able to smell and never will be able to smell. It is nothing that I can't handle. To me, not being able to smell is no big deal. I make accommodations where I need to. I have a smoke detector right outside of my bedroom door. There is a carbon dioxide detector in the house. If I am unsure about something, I either ask someone to smell it or just throw it out.

Fortunately, I work in an office building where safety is a top priority. There is an audible system as well as visual signals for when there is any type of emergency in the building. The other job that I had didn't do much to accommodate me. I had to rely on my co-workers.

Links

Please feel free to email me with links to information and/or support for people with anosmia.