Yes, I have had severe inner ear infections since I was a child, and I've lost taste and smell with no nasal congestion or illness, but with ear aches. I've also had vertigo because of infections. I think the drainage is in a different part of the sinuses. Anyway, I started rinsing with a netti pot and salt solution 2 to 3 times a week and haven't had an issue in 5 years now.
That makes sense though since the taste-sensing segment of the facial nerve traverses close to the middle ear. I mean just a viral infection. Not saying none others do, but loss of smell and taste is, common things being common, more associated with covid.
Yes, I have had severe inner ear infections since I was a child, and I've lost taste and smell with no nasal congestion or illness, but with ear aches. I've also had vertigo because of infections. I think the drainage is in a different part of the sinuses. Anyway, I started rinsing with a netti pot and salt solution 2 to 3 times a week and haven't had an issue in 5 years now.
That makes sense though since the taste-sensing segment of the facial nerve traverses close to the middle ear. I mean just a viral infection. Not saying none others do, but loss of smell and taste is, common things being common, more associated with covid.