Since the sensory neurons are not affected, the lost sense of smell that can occur with COVID is unlikely to be permanent. The olfactory sensory neurons and other cells can regrow—which Holbrook says means that, unlike vision or hearing loss, the sense of smell can be regained.

Can you regain your sense of smell after losing it due to COVID-19?

A year on, nearly all patients in a French study who lost their sense of smell after a bout of COVID-19 did regain that ability, researchers report.

Will I get my taste and smell back after COVID-19?

A new study from VCU reveals four out of every five COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months. That means smell and taste don't return within 6 months for one out of every five COVID-19 survivors.