Sound Research WIKINDX

WIKINDX Resources

Kacelnik, O., Nodal, F. R., Parsons, K. H., & King, A. J. (2006). Training-induced plasticity of auditory localization in adult mammals. PLoS Biology, 4(4), 0627–0638. 
Added by: Mark Grimshaw-Aagaard (2/2/14, 10:31 AM)   
Resource type: Journal Article
Peer reviewed
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0040071
BibTeX citation key: Kacelnik2006
Email resource to friend
View all bibliographic details
 Categories: General
Keywords: Cognition, Localization, Location of sound, Neuralplasticity, Psychoacoustics, Psychology
Creators: Kacelnik, King, Nodal, Parsons
Collection: PLoS Biology		 Views: 6/734
Abstract
Accurate auditory localization relies on neural computations based on spatial cues present in the sound waves at each
ear. The values of these cues depend on the size, shape, and separation of the two ears and can therefore vary from
one individual to another. As with other perceptual skills, the neural circuits involved in spatial hearing are shaped by
experience during development and retain some capacity for plasticity in later life. However, the factors that enable
and promote plasticity of auditory localization in the adult brain are unknown. Here we show that mature ferrets can
rapidly relearn to localize sounds after having their spatial cues altered by reversibly occluding one ear, but only if they
are trained to use these cues in a behaviorally relevant task, with greater and more rapid improvement occurring with
more frequent training. We also found that auditory adaptation is possible in the absence of vision or error feedback.
Finally, we show that this process involves a shift in sensitivity away from the abnormal auditory spatial cues to other
cues that are less affected by the earplug. The mature auditory system is therefore capable of adapting to abnormal
spatial information by reweighting different localization cues. These results suggest that training should facilitate
acclimatization to hearing aids in the hearing impaired.
  
Notes
Using mature ferrets and artificially blocking one ear:
  1. Localization is impaired
  2. Within a matter of days, and without visual stimulus or error feedback, localization can be regained if specific training is in place
  3. As opposed to the use of IID and ITD localization cues under normal circumstances, relearning of localization in the horizontal appears to depend on spectral cues (usually used for elevation cues and front-back discrimination) and greater use of low-frequency IID

 


Added by: Mark Grimshaw-Aagaard  Last edited by: Mark Grimshaw-Aagaard