Regain your sense of smell
Struggling with loss of smell, distorted or phantom smells? One of the UK's only specialist-led loss of smell clinic is here to help you understand what is happening and help restore your sense of smell.
Free Booking Protection
If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more information.
Free Booking Protection
If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more information.
A dedicated clinic for improving and restoring your sense of smell
Changes in smell can be worrying, overwhelming and often unexpected. Whether your symptoms began after a cold, COVID, sinus issues or an injury, the impact on everyday life can be significant.
Our Smell Clinic is one of the few services in the UK offering a structured treatment pathway using PRP therapy, led by an experienced ENT specialist. We combine detailed assessment with a targeted procedure that aims to support recovery of the smell nerves.
Why your sense of smell matters
Smell plays a bigger role in life than most people realise – and when smell changes or disappears, it can feel like part of life has shifted.
It shapes flavour and the enjoyment of food
It helps you detect danger, such as smoke or gas
It supports memory, emotion and connection
Affects appetite, wellbeing and social confidence
What to expect at your Smell Clinic consultation
We offer a four-step pathway designed to support smell recovery at the The Harborne Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK) in Birmingham. Your consultation is a safe, supportive space to ask questions, understand your options and make decisions at your own pace. We want you to leave feeling informed, reassured and clear about your next steps.
Could our Smell Clinic help you?
If you’re experiencing smell loss or distortion, our quick quiz can help you understand if PRP treatment might be suitable for you.
What conditions can cause smell loss or distortion?
Loss of smell (anosmia), reduced smell (hyposmia), distorted smells (parosmia) and phantom smells (phantosmia) can happen for many different reasons. For most people, changes are linked to temporary inflammation, viral infections (such as post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction) or common sinus conditions. Others may notice symptoms developing gradually as the smell nerves become irritated or affected over time.
Viral infections such as colds, flu and COVID
Sinus conditions including allergies, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps
Head injuries or trauma affecting the nose or smell pathways
Nasal blockage or inflammation, preventing odours from reaching the smell receptors
Medication side effects or exposure to strong chemicals
Age-related changes or long-term smoking
Smell loss and recovery
Understanding why your sense of smell has changed can be an important first step. Discover the different types of smell loss and distortion, why they happen and what you can do if your symptoms aren’t improving.
Our specialists are experts in bedside manner
Smell your favourite foods again
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone’s recovery timeline is different. Some people begin noticing changes within a few weeks, while others progress more gradually over several months. PRP is an emerging treatment, so results vary, but many patients value having a structured pathway rather than waiting for improvement on their own.
PRP is generally considered low risk because it is made from your own blood, which means allergic reactions are extremely unlikely. The procedure is carried out by an ENT specialist under local anaesthetic using established clinical techniques. Your clinician will explain everything clearly and answer any questions before treatment.
PRP may support recovery in some people with post-viral smell loss, including long-COVID-related changes. While outcomes differ from person to person, early research is encouraging. Your consultation helps determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific symptoms.
If PRP isn’t the right option for you, your specialist will guide you through alternative approaches. This may include smell training, managing underlying nasal or sinus issues or further assessment where needed. You will always receive clear, supportive guidance.
Some people experience meaningful improvement, while others see more gradual change. PRP is still considered experimental, so full restoration cannot be guaranteed. Your specialist will talk honestly about what is realistic for your situation.