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Speech frequency-following response in human auditory cortex is more than a simple tracking
Ning Guo1, Xiaopeng Si1, Yang Zhang1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Neuroimage
|November 13, 2020
Summary
The human auditory cortex generates frequency following responses (FFR) crucial for speech perception. This study reveals cortical FFRs prefer speech-like sounds, aiding in processing vocal pitch and intonation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Speech Perception
Background:
- The human auditory cortex contributes to frequency following responses (FFR).
- Cortical FFRs are linked to speech perception, but their role in processing fundamental frequency (F0) and dynamic pitch remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intrinsic properties of cortical FFRs.
- To determine how cortical FFRs contribute to processing speech fundamental frequency (F0) and dynamic pitch.
Main Methods:
- Intracranial EEG recordings in humans.
- Analysis of spectral amplitude and phase coherence of cortical FFRs.
- Comparison of FFRs for speech and speech-like harmonic complex stimuli, including missing fundamental conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant FFRs at F0 were observed in the auditory cortex for both speech and harmonic stimuli, even with a missing fundamental.
- Cortical FFRs exhibited harmonic preference and attenuated from primary to associative auditory cortex.
- Speech FFRs showed higher phase coherence than harmonic stimuli, particularly in the left hemisphere, indicating precise tracking of dynamic F0.
- The FFR frequency band overlapped with human vocal pitch range.
Conclusions:
- Cortical FFRs possess intrinsic properties favoring speech-like sounds.
- These findings support a role for cortical FFRs in processing speech intonation and lexical tones.
- The study elucidates the contribution of the auditory cortex to pitch perception in speech.
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