Page 61 - Olfaction regained_Flipbook-subtitles

Patient Brochure Contents 1. Introduction 2. Olfaction (sense of smell) 3. Polite yawning technique 4. Manometer 5. If it does not work properly 6. Olfaction using the polite yawning technique 7. Less obvious olfaction 8. Summary. 1. Introduction Some time ago you underwent a total laryngectomy, a surgical procedure removing your voice box. You experience the consequences of this operation daily. Speech and breathing are altered, but also the act of smelling is not the same as it was. This brochure is about the act of smelling following a laryngectomy, using a special smell rehabilitation method. It should help you to apply this method correctly and should lead to you being able to smell well once again. 2. Olfaction (sense of smell) The nose contains an important sensory organ, able to perceive odours. Odours play significant roles in our lives, in various ways. They may bring about a certain mood or help you remember something. By smelling odours, the formation of saliva may be stimulated allowing you to taste. By smelling specific alarming odours like gas and smoke, you may be incited into action. Thus, the sense of smell has a considerable impact on many aspects of daily life. To be able to smell, it is necessary that air flows into the nose, past the sensory olfaction organ. This small organ can be found in the upper part of the nose, and has elements, 60