Measurements of small variations in 'absolute' pitch

Area of Science:

• Auditory Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Psychophysics

Background:

• Absolute pitch (AP) is the ability to identify or produce a specific musical note without a reference tone.
• Previous research on AP has primarily focused on its genetic and environmental factors, with less attention paid to physiological influences.
• Understanding variations in AP perception is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of auditory processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal variations in absolute pitch estimates.
• To explore potential correlations between these variations and physiological factors such as the menstrual cycle, illness, and sex hormones.
• To propose a biological mechanism underlying observed fluctuations in absolute pitch.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal observation of absolute pitch estimates in three subjects (one male, two female).
• Correlation analysis between pitch estimates and physiological data, including menstrual cycle phases and biochemical parameters.
• Qualitative assessment of pitch variations during periods of illness.

Main Results:

• Rhythmic variations in pitch estimates were observed in female subjects, correlating with their menstrual cycles.
• One female subject and the male subject exhibited pitch estimate fluctuations with a distinct rhythm (approx. 20 days).
• Pitch estimate variations in a female subject were also linked to episodes of illness.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual cycle-related biochemical changes may influence the electrical activity of the auditory nervous system, affecting pitch estimates in females.
• Sex hormones are suggested as a potential factor influencing absolute pitch variations in both sexes.
• Adrenal corticosteroids are hypothesized to play a role in illness-related changes in absolute pitch perception.