The origins of musical processing: development and plasticity of auditory brainstem responses

人类的交流系统--语言和音乐--在很大程度上是建立在听觉通道的基础上的，所以了解声音的处理是如何发展并受到特定训练的影响，对于实现儿童的最佳发展至关重要，对于出现问题的情况下的早期干预也是至关重要的。在之前的工作中，我们分析了脑电(EEG)测量结果，发现婴儿的听觉皮质对声音的反应相当不成熟。事实上，它们直到十几岁时才完全达到成年人的水平。我们还发现，年轻时的音乐训练对皮质反应的成熟有积极的影响。尤其是那些与听觉注意力和记忆有关的问题。由于幼儿的皮质反应还不成熟，而且动物研究告诉我们，学习涉及大脑皮质和皮质下区域之间的复杂相互作用，我们必须观察皮质下处理，以了解大脑如何发展和对学习做出反应的关键问题。我们所要求的脑电设备将使我们能够同时测量皮质下和皮质对声音的反应。这将使我们能够开始了解这些不同的大脑区域是如何相互作用的。此外，研究这些相互作用如何与特定的听觉学习发生变化，例如当获得演奏乐器的能力时，将使我们能够开始解开大脑通过发育学习和变化的复杂过程。

Human communication systems-language and music-are based largely in the auditory modality, so understanding how the processing of sound develops and is influenced by specific training is critical for achieving optimal development in children, as well as for early interventions in cases where there are problems.  In previous work, we have analyzed electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements and found that responses of auditory cortex to sound are quite immature in young infants.  Indeed they do not fully reach adult levels until well into the teenage years.  We have also found that musical training at a young age has a positive influence on the maturation of cortical responses, particularly those related to auditory attention and memory.  Because cortical responses are immature in young children, and because animal studies inform us that learning involves complex interactions between cortical and subcortical areas of the brain, we must look at subcortical processing in order to understand critical questions about how the brain develops and responds to learning.  The EEG equipment that we are requesting will allow us to measure subcortical and cortical responses to sound at the same time.  This will enable us to begin to understand how these different brain regions interact.  Furthermore, studies of how these interactions change with specific auditory learning, such as when acquiring the ability to play a musical instrument, will enable us to begin unraveling the intricate processes by which the brain learns and changes through development.