Changes in taste and smell were widely reported following COVID-19 infection. Experiences varied considerably: some people recovered quickly, while others continued to experience changes for longer.
This raised important questions about perception, learning, attention, and recovery.
In 2023, a research team at Brunel University London published a proof-of-concept study evaluating a specialised camera-based visual-feedback learning aid with adults who had persistent COVID-19-related taste and/or smell impairment.
The study involved 15 participants, who received up to ten learning sessions. It examined feasibility, participant experience, and possible changes in smell and taste measures.
The authors reported that the intervention was well received. They also reported improvement in smell and taste measures in 14 of the 15 participants, while noting that larger studies are needed to determine effectiveness and understand who may benefit.
The study provides an encouraging starting point for further research. It does not establish a treatment for COVID-19-related taste or smell impairment, identify an optimal number of sessions, or show that the approach works for other conditions or difficulties.
Further independent research is needed. The study examined feasibility and early signals of change; it was not designed to establish effectiveness, compare the approach with usual care, or determine which participants are most likely to benefit.
The study informs Learning Just Became Easier’s wider research questions about learning and perception.
We are interested in how people experience change, how meaningful activities can support engagement, and how structured visual feedback may contribute to learning. These questions require careful research, clear boundaries, and appropriate evidence before any future claims can be made.
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