Olfactory Hyposensitivity

What Is Olfactory Hyposensitivity?
IN BRIEF

Olfactory hyposensitivity means that a person perceives smells less intensely or barely at all. This can prevent them from noticing their own body odors and make meals less enjoyable, as food smells are not as pronounced. To compensate for this lack of perception, they may seek out certain scents, such as smelling other people’s hair, to provide their brain with the sensory input it needs. Autistic people are more likely to experience sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, but anyone, even without a diagnosis, can live with olfactory hyposensitivity.

Olfactory Hyposensitivity

Not being able to smell odors may seem convenient, but it can also present certain challenges.

Body Odors

Reduced perception of smells can make it difficult for someone to know if they have body odor, whether from sweat, their feet, or their hair. In this case, establishing a hygiene routine with specific habits at set times can be helpful. Showering after physical activity, using an effective deodorant, regularly changing clothes, and selecting odor-resistant fabrics are important strategies. Even if these actions may seem unnecessary to the person, they help prevent unpleasant odors.

Attention

Perfume does not mask bad odors; it can sometimes amplify them.

Social Aspects

Body odors can be a source of social rejection and create tension, especially since a hyposensitive person may perceive comments about their hygiene as exaggerated. Excessive use of perfume can also be an issue. However, olfactory hyposensitivity can be an advantage in environments with strong and overwhelming smells, such as public places or crowded transportation.

Health and Safety

Not being able to detect certain smells, such as smoke, gas, fuel, or chemicals, can be dangerous. A person with olfactory hyposensitivity should be aware of this and adopt appropriate safety measures, such as installing additional smoke detectors or being extra cautious when handling potentially toxic substances.

Sensory Seeking

When the brain does not receive enough input from a particular sense, it may compensate by actively seeking sensory stimuli. Someone engaging in olfactory sensory seeking may smell perfumes, hair (their own or others’), objects, fabrics, or even the floor and certain substances.

Attention

Seeking out smells can lead to an attraction to toxic products such as glue, cleaning agents, or gasoline. Repeated exposure to these odors can have harmful health effects.

Safe Olfactory Sensory Seeking

It is possible to explore olfactory sensory seeking in a safe way by using scented bracelets, creating a “smell box” with small, portable scented objects, or keeping a piece of fabric infused with a comforting scent.

Valérie Jessica Laporte

WRITER SPECIALIZING IN AUTISM (FRENCH)