Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:29
Stereotactically-guided Ablation of the Rat Auditory Cortex, and Localization of the Lesion in the Brain
Published on: October 11, 2017
What subcortical-cortical relationships tell us about processing speech in noise
Alexandra Parbery-Clark1, Frederic Marmel, Julia Bair
1Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, Frances Searle Building, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-2952, USA. apc@u.northwestern.edu
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|January 25, 2011
Summary
Background noise impacts how the brain processes speech. Earlier brainstem responses and stronger cortical N1 signals correlate with better speech-in-noise perception, especially in noisy conditions.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Speech Perception
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Understanding speech-in-noise perception is crucial for addressing hearing impairments.
- The neural mechanisms underlying speech processing in noise are not fully understood.
- Investigating both subcortical and cortical brain activity provides a comprehensive view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how background noise affects subcortical and cortical neural responses to speech.
- To explore the relationship between these neural responses and an individual's ability to perceive speech in noise.
- To identify neural markers predictive of speech-in-noise perception.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings (subcortical and cortical) were used in normal-hearing young adults.
- Speech stimuli were presented in quiet and background noise conditions.
- Neural response characteristics (latency, amplitude, precision) and their correlation with behavioral measures were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Background noise altered subcortical and cortical responses, causing delays and changes in amplitude and neural precision.
- Subcortical responses became later, smaller, and less precise in noise.
- Cortical N1 amplitude increased while P2 decreased in noise; earlier subcortical responses and higher N1 amplitude predicted better speech-in-noise ability.
Conclusions:
- Subcortical and cortical brain activity are coordinated in processing speech in noise.
- Neural responses, particularly brainstem and cortical N1 amplitude, serve as functional indices of speech-in-noise perception.
- The interplay between subcortical and cortical processing becomes evident for speech-in-noise perception under noisy conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
01:15Auditory Pathway
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:17Auditory Perception
The auditory system is essential for sound perception, utilizing various critical structures. When sound waves enter the outer ear, they travel through the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the middle ear, where three tiny bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes – amplify the sound. This amplification is crucial, as it ensures that the sound vibrations are strong enough to be conveyed to the inner ear. These vibrations then reach the cochlea, a...
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...