Multilevel Auditory Processing

Researcher: Simon, Jonathan

Description: In our multilevel auditory processing (MAP) experiment, we are studying the brain’s activity when processing natural spoken language, particularly in scenarios with multiple speakers when selective attention is needed. To do this, we are recording electromagnetic signals (MEG and EEG simultaneously) from the brain, as measured non-invasively from the surface of the head, while participants listen to continuous speech.

Additionally, our participants undergo a structural MRI scan. This individual data allows us to digitally reconstruct the brain areas that may be generating the auditory responses, and then map each participant’s electrophysiological data onto their own brain reconstruction. This fine-grained analysis then allows us to study how the auditory system processes spoken language at multiple levels of attention and difficulty.

Supported By: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders