Different Modes of Pitch Perception and Learning-Induced Neuronal Plasticity of the Human Auditory Cortex
We designed a melody perception experiment involving eight harmonic complex tones of missing fundamental frequencies (hidden auditory object) to study the short-term neuronal plasticity of the auditory cortex. In this experiment, the fundamental frequencies of the complex tones followed the beginnin...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2002-01-01
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| Series: | Neural Plasticity |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/NP.2002.161 |
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| Summary: | We designed a melody perception experiment
involving eight harmonic complex tones of
missing fundamental frequencies (hidden auditory
object) to study the short-term neuronal plasticity
of the auditory cortex. In this experiment, the
fundamental frequencies of the complex tones
followed the beginning of the virtual melody of
the tune “Frère Jacques”. The harmonics of the
complex tones were chosen so that the spectral
melody had an inverse contour when compared
with the virtual one. Evoked magnetic fields were
recorded contralaterally to the ear of stimulation
from both hemispheres. After a base line measurement,
the subjects were exposed repeatedly to the
experimental stimuli for 1 hour a day. All subjects
reported a sudden change in the perceived melody,
indicating possible reorganization of the cortical
processes involved in the virtual pitch formation.
After this switch in perception, a second measurement
was performed. Cortical sources of the
evoked gamma-band activity were significantly
stronger and located more medially after a switch
in perception. Independent Component Analysis
revealed enhanced synchronization in the gamma-band
frequency range. Comparing the gamma-band
activation of both hemispheres, no
laterality effects were observed. The results
indicate that the primary auditory cortices are
involved in the process of virtual pitch
perception and that their function is modifiable
by laboratory manipulation. |
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| ISSN: | 2090-5904 1687-5443 |