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Relearning sound localization with new ears

Nature Neuroscience volume 1, pages 417–421 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

Because the inner ear is not organized spatially, sound localization relies on the neural processing of implicit acoustic cues. To determine a sound's position, the brain must learn and calibrate these cues, using accurate spatial feedback from other sensorimotor systems. Experimental evidence for such a system has been demonstrated in barn owls, but not in humans. Here, we demonstrate the existence of ongoing spatial calibration in the adult human auditory system. The spectral elevation cues of human subjects were disrupted by modifying their outer ears (pinnae) with molds. Although localization of sound elevation was dramatically degraded immediately after the modification, accurate performance was steadily reacquired. Interestingly, learning the new spectral cues did not interfere with the neural representation of the original cues, as subjects could localize sounds with both normal and modified pinnae.

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Figure 2: Adaptation to altered spectral cues.
Figure 1: Effect of molds on pinna acoustic transfer.
Figure 3: Summary of the results for all four subjects.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Dutch Foundation for the Life Sciences (SLW 805-33.705-P; PMH), the University of Nijmegen, the Netherlands (AJVO), and the Human Frontiers Science Program (RG0174/1998-B; AJVO).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 21, Nijmegen, NL-6525 EZ, The Netherlands

    Paul M. Hofman, Jos G.A. Van Riswick & A. John Van Opstal

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  1. Paul M. Hofman
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  2. Jos G.A. Van Riswick
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  3. A. John Van Opstal
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Correspondence to A. John Van Opstal.

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Hofman, P., Van Riswick, J. & Van Opstal, A. Relearning sound localization with new ears. Nat Neurosci 1, 417–421 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/1633

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