Articles tagged with Auditory Perception
A new study from MIT shows that computational models trained on auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to the human auditory cortex. Models trained on diverse tasks and background noise more closely mimic brain activation patterns.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers reveals that individuals with tinnitus experience auditory nerve loss not detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery provides a better understanding of the origins of tinnitus and offers hope for future treatments and potential cures.
Researchers linked hearing loss to microstructural differences in auditory areas of the temporal lobe and frontal cortex. The study suggests that compensatory brain changes may lead to increased dementia risk, and interventions like subtitles or speech-to-text apps could protect against this.
Researchers discovered a 'neglected' dinosaur, Thescelosaurus neglectus, had exceptional smell and balance abilities. Its brain size was relatively small, but its olfactory bulbs were large, similar to those of living alligators.
A study involving 119,606 Chinese newborns found that concurrent hearing and high-throughput genetic screening significantly enhances congenital hearing loss management. The detection rate of certain gene mutations was also reported, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors for accurate diagnosis.
A new technique for mapping the human auditory pathway has been developed, providing valuable insights into treating profound hearing loss. The study found lower nerve fibre density in children with profound SNHL, and highlighted the importance of early interventions to improve long-term outcomes.
Skateboarders possess a unique sensory knowledge of cities, which can help mediate conflicts between those who enjoy and those who dislike the sport's sounds. By paying attention to sound, individuals can gain 'sonic' agency over spaces in the city.
Researchers at UCL and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces hearing loss in mice with Norrie disease. The treatment, which restores the missing norrin protein, has shown improved blood vessel structure and protected sensory hairs in the inner ear.
Researchers found that hard-of-hearing listeners prefer louder levels of lead vocals compared to normal listeners. They also tend to prefer higher frequencies and sparser mixes with fewer frequencies overall.
Researchers found that epigenetic silencing shuts off key genes required for sensory cell conversion. Enzyme TET can remove methyl groups to reverse gene silencing and restore hearing capability. Progenitor cells in deaf ears may already be primed to convert into sensory hearing cells.
A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences successfully reversed hearing loss in mice by activating a defective gene. The researchers found that introducing a special enzyme at a young age significantly improved hearing, with positive effects becoming less potent with time.
A new study reveals that reptiles demonstrate spontaneous associations between visual and auditory information, including tortoises associating low sounds with large shapes and high pitch sounds with small shapes. This discovery shows how brains are prepared to predict visuo-acoustic correspondences likely to occur in the natural world.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
Researchers propose a system that plays brief, targeted sounds to alert individuals near digital signage, while only making the sound audible to those actively viewing it. The system improved participants' attention to signage and reduced distractions.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that deaf mice develop normal auditory circuitry until the ear canal opens and hearing begins. This spontaneous activity is necessary for training the auditory system to respond correctly to sounds of different frequencies, potentially preparing it for cochlear prostheses.
Researchers found that deaf mice have nearly normal neural activity in the auditory system for two weeks after birth, suggesting a molecular mechanism for improved outcomes with early cochlear implants. This spontaneous activity helps train the brain to process sound before the ear canal opens.
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that older bats do indeed suffer from age-related hearing loss, but at a relatively slow rate compared to humans. The researchers believe that bats have developed special adaptations to cope with their noisy environment, which could provide insights into human hearing loss.
VIRTUOSO, developed by Dr. Hyunkook Lee from the University of Huddersfield's Applied Psychoacoustics Lab, enables immersive 3D audio without loudspeakers through binaural technology powered by ASPEN. This technology simulates the ambience and reflections found in a room with headphones, allowing for accurate translation to real speakers.
The study uses neural recordings and computer modeling to show that phonetic information is encoded differently when speech stands out versus being drowned out. This finding could help develop more accurate hearing aids.
Researchers at Beckman Institute found fetal exposure to PCBs made it harder for mice to recover from sound-related trauma. Oxidative stress appears to be key mediator of the effect, suppressing auditory system's ability to heal.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
Researchers develop bio-inspired microphones that detect specific signals without consuming a lot of energy or requiring supervision. These miniature sensors are ideal for hazardous or hard-to-reach applications.
Researchers created 3D-printed talking heads to simulate conversations and assess acoustic properties. The project aims to improve human hearing algorithms and develop more realistic listening experiences.
A machine learning model helps explain how brains recognize the meaning of communication sounds, such as animal calls or spoken words. The study models sound-processing networks in social animals' brains and demonstrates their ability to distinguish between different sound categories.
A global study found that tonal language speakers are better able to discern between subtly different melodies, while non-tonal speakers are better able to tell whether a rhythm is beating in time with the music. Tonal speakers actually perform worse on rhythm perception tasks.
Researchers have developed a new ear tube design that combines liquid-infused materials with optimized geometry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ear infections. The design enables better performance and reduces complications such as impaired hearing and scarring of the eardrum.
Researchers found that incubators dampen some sounds but also cause a booming effect at low frequencies, raising noise levels by up to 28 decibels. The study highlights the importance of considering sound in NICU design and use to protect premature infants' hearing.
Researchers found pronounced delays in brainstem responses to sounds among newborns later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This delay may be linked to limited access to sound frequencies and difficulties integrating sensory streams, ultimately affecting social interactions and communication.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that the brain's ability to focus on individual sounds amidst ambient noise declines with age, leading to a 'fuzzy' sound stage. The team trained old mice to filter out background sound, showing promise for treating age-related hearing loss.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers discovered hearing impairment in a novel preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding ASD.
Scientists studied fossil braincase material of Europasaurus, a long-necked herbivorous dinosaur from Northern Germany, to understand its reproductive and social behavior. The digital reconstruction of its inner ear showed that it had a good sense of hearing and possibly relied on balance immediately after hatching.
Researchers discovered the underlying cause of deafness caused by swelling in the inner ear chambers. The study identified two master genes, SOX9 and SOX10, controlling hearing function and providing a new resource for diagnosis and treatment of deafness and balance problems.
A recent study on fossil katydids from the Mesozoic Era provides novel insights into the evolution of acoustic organs and behavior. The research team discovered exceptionally preserved Mesozoic katydids with the earliest known insect ears, extending the age range of modern-type auditory tympana by 100 million years.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba discovered a phenomenon where moving a virtual assistant's voice closer to users increases customer rapport, contrasting with traditional ventriloquism effects. This 'mouth-in-the-door' effect can be used to enhance user experience in virtual commerce scenarios.
Research found that sounds can influence how we perceive objects visually, making related sounds prioritize certain features. This effect was observed in three experiments, showing that audio input influences object-morph selection speed and accuracy when played during visual discrimination phase.
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new method to control mosquito populations by altering the frequency of sound that males listen for. By using serotonin-inhibiting compounds, they reduced the range of frequencies males respond to and their response itself.
A study published in Current Biology found that undetectable very low frequency sound increases dancing at a live concert, with participants moving 12% more when the speakers were on. The researchers speculate that this is due to physical processes affecting the motor system and brain mechanisms involved.
Higher-quality violins produce more detectable objective combination tones, which are linked to air resonance and structural material. The study aims to analyze a greater number of violins to identify the origin of combination tones.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new hearing screening system using low-cost earbuds and smartphones, which performed as well as commercial devices and correctly identified patients with hearing loss. The tool can be used in countries where screening is not accessible due to high device costs.
Dr. Liberman's research on cochlear synaptopathy has significantly impacted our understanding of the underlying causes of hearing loss, with implications for developing new treatments and sensitive tests. His work has also led to the development of therapies for treating hidden hearing loss.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
Scientists discovered a novel neural mechanism that accompanies unconsciousness, masking sensory inputs with spontaneous activity. The auditory cortex's response to sounds is indistinguishable from its own internal activity under anesthesia.
A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.
Digital health technology enables quality healthcare access regardless of location, monitoring individuals exposed to excessive noise or ototoxic medication. Researchers explore how telehealth can facilitate the prevention of permanent hearing loss and close the gap on hearing health disparities.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.
Research identified distinct brain connections in individuals with misophonia, revealing that it may not be solely linked to oral sensory processing. The study found stronger connections between regions associated with finger movement and sensation, as well as the insula area linked to strong emotions like disgust.
Adults with vision or hearing disabilities have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to those without disabilities. The study suggests that initiatives promoting equitable and accessible vaccination may be necessary to address these disparities.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia in geriatric dogs. The study found that as hearing deteriorated, dogs' ability to perform tasks declined significantly. Cognitive scores related to vitality and companionship were also negatively impacted.
A study published in Molecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development shows that delivering the protein EPS8 via gene therapy can rescue malfunctioning inner ear hair cells that transduce sound. In mice affected by recessive deafness, EPS8 increases stereocilia length and restores hair cell function.
Researchers at Goethe University discovered a feedback loop that readies the auditory cortex for incoming acoustic signals in bats. This finding challenges previous views on information flow and highlights the significance of feedback loops in the brain.
A recent hearing test was associated with a lower risk of underreporting hearing loss and a greater likelihood of using hearing aids among older adults. The study found that individuals who had recently undergone a hearing test were more likely to be aware of their hearing loss and take steps to address it.
Researchers found that hearing one's own voice is critical for sense of agency over speech, helping to understand auditory hallucinations and improve VR experiences. The study's findings suggest a close connection between recognizing one's own voice and feeling in control.
A study by researchers at Uppsala University found that crocodiles can regenerate their hair cells due to the activation of support cells and efferent nerves. This discovery may lead to new treatments for people with impaired hearing, who affect over 1.2 billion worldwide.
Scientists review recent experiments and find noise regulations may need to be changed to protect marine mammals from pile driving noise. The current guidance is 7 years old and may not provide sufficient protection for species like harbor porpoises and seals.
Researchers developed a word-score model to estimate the amount of hidden hearing loss, or cochlear nerve damage, in humans. The model uses average speech scores as a function of age from nearly 96,000 ears examined at Mass Eye and Ear.
The Collaborative Research Centre Hearing Acoustics is developing smart hearing aids that use artificial intelligence to adjust to different environments. The project, which aims to create more adaptable hearing devices, has received $8.1 million in funding for another four years.
A new study reveals that humans can hear as well as seals under water, with an average hearing threshold of 71 dB at 500 Hz. However, human hearing is not adapted to work well under water and has a reduced ability to determine sound direction.