Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sensation and Perception

Abstract

In this article we summarize the main findings on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sensory and perceptual processes. Initially, we present how SARS-CoV-2 behaves and what damage it causes to the nervous system. From there, we focus on clinical changes, psychosocial impairments, interventions, and technological innovations related to chemical senses, hearing, vision and the perception of the passage of time. We are mainly guided by the literature of the last three years, when the pandemic spread globally. The relevance of the information and discussions raised here is not limited to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, but is also useful for non-corona viruses and post-infectious sensory dysfunctions of diverse etiology. We present clinical and subclinical changes caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects and duration of residual and long-term symptoms are still unclear. Of special relevance for psychologists and other health professionals, we conclude that, with regard to the consequences of the pandemic in the interpersonal sphere, and for all the modalities analyzed, there is a negative impact of a socio-affective nature that is related to the change in viability and quality of interaction with the physical and social environment.