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Published on: November 26, 2012
Neural mechanisms underlying auditory feedback control of speech
Jason A Tourville1, Kevin J Reilly, Frank H Guenther
1Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University, 677 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, USA. jtour@cns.bu.edu
Neuroimage
|November 24, 2007
Summary
This study reveals how the brain controls speech using auditory feedback. It found that auditory cortex and frontal areas work together to detect and correct speech errors in real-time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech Science
- Auditory Processing
Background:
- Auditory feedback is crucial for speech production.
- The brain's mechanisms for processing auditory feedback are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural basis of auditory feedback control in speech.
- To identify brain regions involved in detecting and correcting speech errors.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Computational modeling (structural equation modeling) was employed to analyze neural pathways.
- Speech was manipulated with real-time first formant frequency shifts.
Main Results:
- Speech compensation to auditory shifts occurred within 136 ms.
- Increased activity was observed in bilateral superior temporal cortex and right prefrontal/Rolandic cortex during altered feedback.
- Auditory cortical areas showed increased influence on right frontal areas during speech error detection.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral auditory cortex detects mismatches between expected and actual speech sounds.
- Projections from auditory error cells to frontal motor correction cells mediate speech feedback control.
- This highlights a neural network for real-time speech motor adjustment.
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