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Subcortical frequency-coding errors are linked to speaker-variability intolerance in normal-hearing adults
Fuh-Cherng Jeng1, Chao-Yang Lee1, Tiffany N McDonald1
1Communication Sciences and Disorders, Ohio University, Grover Center W224, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA jeng@ohio.edu, leec1@ohio.edu, tm553911@ohio.edu, hg585510@ohio.edu, et474813@ohio.edu, bh130015@ohio.edu.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|October 2, 2017
Summary
Listeners with subcortical frequency-coding errors struggle with processing speech from multiple speakers. This impacts understanding speaker-specific information, crucial for effective communication.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Speech Processing
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- Speaker-specific information is vital for effective communication.
- Understanding how the brain processes vocal variations is key to auditory perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcortical encoding of fundamental frequency (F0) cues.
- To examine the relationship between F0 encoding and the ability to process multi-speaker speech.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scalp-recorded frequency-following responses (FFRs) to assess subcortical processing.
- Employed Mandarin tones with distinct F0 contours to probe frequency coding.
- Correlated FFR-based frequency-coding errors with behavioral measures of speaker-variability intolerance.
Main Results:
- Subcortical frequency-coding errors significantly correlated with speaker-variability intolerance.
- This correlation was observed in both accuracy (percent correct) and speed (reaction time) measures.
- Demonstrated a link between neural encoding of pitch and the perception of speaker differences.
Conclusions:
- Subcortical auditory processing plays a critical role in distinguishing speakers.
- Frequency-coding efficiency influences the ability to handle speech variability.
- Findings inform understanding of auditory processing in both typical and impaired hearing populations.
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