Hemodynamic imaging of the auditory cortex.
Over the past 20 years or so, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has proven to be an influential tool for measuring perceptual and cognitive processing non-invasively in the human brain. This article provides a brief yet comprehensive overview of this dominant method for human auditory neuroscience, providing the reader with knowledge about the practicalities of using this technique to assess central auditory coding. Key learning objectives include developing an understanding of the basic MR physics underpinning the technique, the advantage of auditory fMRI over other current neuroimaging alternatives, and highlighting some of the practical considerations involved in setting up, running, and analyzing an auditory fMRI experiment. The future utility of fMRI and anticipated technical developments is also briefly evaluated. Throughout the review, key concepts are illustrated using specific author examples, with particular emphasis on fMRI findings that address questions pertaining to basic sound coding (such as frequency and pitch).
National Institute for Health Research, Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. Electronic address: Deborah.Hall@nottingham.ac.uk.
Ann Hall
AH
Deborah
Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
Susi
S
Karima
D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000098:blood supply*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood
D010100:Oxygen
Functional magnetic resonance imaging; experimental design; frequency; optimizing scanning parameters; pitch; sound features; statistical analysis