Diversity of bilateral synaptic assemblies for binaural computation in midbrain single neurons

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Na He, Lingzhi Kong, Tao Lin, Shaohui Wang, Xiuping Liu, Jiyao Qi, Jun Yan
Binaural hearing confers many beneficial functions but our understanding of its underlying neural substrates is limited. This study examines the bilateral synaptic assemblies and binaural computation (or integration) in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) of the auditory midbrain, a key convergent center. Using in-vivo whole-cell patch-clamp, the excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs/IPSPs) of single ICc neurons to contralateral, ipsilateral and bilateral stimulation were recorded. According to the contralateral and ipsilateral EPSP/IPSP, 7 types of bilateral synaptic assemblies were identified. These include EPSP-EPSP (EE), E-IPSP (EI), E-no response (EO), II, IE, IO and complex-mode (CM) neurons. The CM neurons showed frequency- and/or amplitude-dependent EPSPs/IPSPs to contralateral or ipsilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation induced EPSPs/IPSPs that could be larger than (facilitation), similar to (ineffectiveness) or smaller than (suppression) those induced by contralateral stimulation. Our findings have allowed our group to characterize novel neural circuitry for binaural computation in the midbrain.

Graphical abstract

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Standard-interval size affects interval-discrimination thresholds for pure-tone melodic pitch intervals

Publication date: Available online 17 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Carolyn M. McClaskey
Our ability to discriminate between pitch intervals of different sizes is not only an important aspect of speech and music perception, but also a useful means of evaluating higher-level pitch perception. The current study examined how pitch-interval discrimination was affected by the size of the intervals being compared, and by musical training. Using an adaptive procedure, pitch-interval discrimination thresholds were measured for sequentially presented pure-tone intervals with standard intervals of 1 semitone (minor second), 6 semitones (the tri-tone), and 7 semitones (perfect fifth). Listeners were classified into three groups based on musical experience: non-musicians had less than 3 years of informal musical experience, amateur musicians had at least 10 years of experience but no formal music theory training, and expert musicians had at least 12 years of experience with 1 year of formal ear training, and were either currently pursuing or had earned a Bachelor's degree as either a music major or music minor. Consistent with previous studies, discrimination thresholds obtained from expert musicians were significantly lower than those from other listeners. Thresholds also significantly varied with the magnitude of the reference interval and were higher for conditions with a 6- or 7-semitone standard than a 1-semitone standard. These data show that interval-discrimination thresholds are strongly affected by the size of the standard interval.



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Diversity of bilateral synaptic assemblies for binaural computation in midbrain single neurons

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Na He, Lingzhi Kong, Tao Lin, Shaohui Wang, Xiuping Liu, Jiyao Qi, Jun Yan
Binaural hearing confers many beneficial functions but our understanding of its underlying neural substrates is limited. This study examines the bilateral synaptic assemblies and binaural computation (or integration) in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) of the auditory midbrain, a key convergent center. Using in-vivo whole-cell patch-clamp, the excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs/IPSPs) of single ICc neurons to contralateral, ipsilateral and bilateral stimulation were recorded. According to the contralateral and ipsilateral EPSP/IPSP, 7 types of bilateral synaptic assemblies were identified. These include EPSP-EPSP (EE), E-IPSP (EI), E-no response (EO), II, IE, IO and complex-mode (CM) neurons. The CM neurons showed frequency- and/or amplitude-dependent EPSPs/IPSPs to contralateral or ipsilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation induced EPSPs/IPSPs that could be larger than (facilitation), similar to (ineffectiveness) or smaller than (suppression) those induced by contralateral stimulation. Our findings have allowed our group to characterize novel neural circuitry for binaural computation in the midbrain.

Graphical abstract

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Standard-interval size affects interval-discrimination thresholds for pure-tone melodic pitch intervals

Publication date: Available online 17 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Carolyn M. McClaskey
Our ability to discriminate between pitch intervals of different sizes is not only an important aspect of speech and music perception, but also a useful means of evaluating higher-level pitch perception. The current study examined how pitch-interval discrimination was affected by the size of the intervals being compared, and by musical training. Using an adaptive procedure, pitch-interval discrimination thresholds were measured for sequentially presented pure-tone intervals with standard intervals of 1 semitone (minor second), 6 semitones (the tri-tone), and 7 semitones (perfect fifth). Listeners were classified into three groups based on musical experience: non-musicians had less than 3 years of informal musical experience, amateur musicians had at least 10 years of experience but no formal music theory training, and expert musicians had at least 12 years of experience with 1 year of formal ear training, and were either currently pursuing or had earned a Bachelor's degree as either a music major or music minor. Consistent with previous studies, discrimination thresholds obtained from expert musicians were significantly lower than those from other listeners. Thresholds also significantly varied with the magnitude of the reference interval and were higher for conditions with a 6- or 7-semitone standard than a 1-semitone standard. These data show that interval-discrimination thresholds are strongly affected by the size of the standard interval.



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Diversity of bilateral synaptic assemblies for binaural computation in midbrain single neurons

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Na He, Lingzhi Kong, Tao Lin, Shaohui Wang, Xiuping Liu, Jiyao Qi, Jun Yan
Binaural hearing confers many beneficial functions but our understanding of its underlying neural substrates is limited. This study examines the bilateral synaptic assemblies and binaural computation (or integration) in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) of the auditory midbrain, a key convergent center. Using in-vivo whole-cell patch-clamp, the excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs/IPSPs) of single ICc neurons to contralateral, ipsilateral and bilateral stimulation were recorded. According to the contralateral and ipsilateral EPSP/IPSP, 7 types of bilateral synaptic assemblies were identified. These include EPSP-EPSP (EE), E-IPSP (EI), E-no response (EO), II, IE, IO and complex-mode (CM) neurons. The CM neurons showed frequency- and/or amplitude-dependent EPSPs/IPSPs to contralateral or ipsilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation induced EPSPs/IPSPs that could be larger than (facilitation), similar to (ineffectiveness) or smaller than (suppression) those induced by contralateral stimulation. Our findings have allowed our group to characterize novel neural circuitry for binaural computation in the midbrain.

Graphical abstract

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Standard-interval size affects interval-discrimination thresholds for pure-tone melodic pitch intervals

Publication date: Available online 17 September 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Carolyn M. McClaskey
Our ability to discriminate between pitch intervals of different sizes is not only an important aspect of speech and music perception, but also a useful means of evaluating higher-level pitch perception. The current study examined how pitch-interval discrimination was affected by the size of the intervals being compared, and by musical training. Using an adaptive procedure, pitch-interval discrimination thresholds were measured for sequentially presented pure-tone intervals with standard intervals of 1 semitone (minor second), 6 semitones (the tri-tone), and 7 semitones (perfect fifth). Listeners were classified into three groups based on musical experience: non-musicians had less than 3 years of informal musical experience, amateur musicians had at least 10 years of experience but no formal music theory training, and expert musicians had at least 12 years of experience with 1 year of formal ear training, and were either currently pursuing or had earned a Bachelor's degree as either a music major or music minor. Consistent with previous studies, discrimination thresholds obtained from expert musicians were significantly lower than those from other listeners. Thresholds also significantly varied with the magnitude of the reference interval and were higher for conditions with a 6- or 7-semitone standard than a 1-semitone standard. These data show that interval-discrimination thresholds are strongly affected by the size of the standard interval.



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Sinus Tone Generator

Use our free sinus tone generator here!

 

Tinnitus is a ringing or similar sound that can last for hours or days at a time. Many people hear this noise because of a mistake made by that person’s brain. However, sound notching may make it possible to reduce how loud the ringing noise may be. This is done with the help of a sinus tone generator.

What Is a Sinus Tone Generator?

A sinus tone generator will help a person determine their tinnitus volume and the frequency at which the sound is being generated. Once the frequency has been determined, a notch can be created, which will lower that volume at that frequency. An individual will then choose a prerecorded notched sound to listen to each night for several weeks or months.

What If I Have Tinnitus at Multiple Tones?

It may be possible to create sound recordings that have more than one notch in them. However, the product does work best to treat one frequency at a time. Those who do have problems at multiple frequencies are invited to create multiple files in an effort to seek as much relief from tinnitus symptoms as possible.

When Should You Listen to Notched Recordings?

You can listen to your notched recordings whenever you want. If you work from home, you may be able to do your listening while writing a report or sending an email. It may also be possible to get your listening time in while on your way to work or before bed. The only rule is that you listen to your recording daily. Doing so will train your brain to correct the mistake that leads to the constant ringing noise when there is no sound present.

What Types of Sounds Can I Listen To?

You can listen to anything that you want. AudioNotch provides several sounds of their own that you can use, but you may also use your own music or preferred white noise. For some, this may mean listening to a book on tape each night or listening to their favorite musician or motivational speaker before they go to bed.

The use of notched sound may make it easier to overcome tinnitus symptoms and start to experience a better quality of life in a short period of time. Using the sinus tone generator from AudioNotch may be an effective tool that can be used by itself or as part of an overall treatment plan.

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