Abstract Adults struggle to learn non-native speech contrasts even after years of exposure. While laboratory-based training approaches yield learning, the optimal conditions for maximizing learning in adulthood are currently unknown. Vagus nerve stimulation has been shown prime adult sensory-perceptual systems towards plasticity animal models. Precise temporal pairing with auditory stimuli can enhance cortical representations a high degree specificity. Here, we examined whether...

Abstract Speech perception can decline in middle age even when hearing thresholds remain normal, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. In line with age-related neural dedifferentiation hypothesis, we predicted that middle-aged adults show less distinct cortical representations of phonemes acoustic-phonetic features relative to younger adults. addition an extensive audiological, auditory electrophysiological, speech perceptual test battery, measured...

Across two experiments, we examine the relationship between individual differences in working memory (WM) and acquisition of non-native speech categories adulthood. While WM is associated with a variety learning tasks, successful argued to be contingent on WM-independent procedural-learning mechanisms. Thus, role category unclear. In Experiment 1, show that individuals higher acquire faster greater extent than those lower WM. 2, replicate these results use more optimal, procedural-based...

What is the role of working memory over course non-native speech category learning? Prior work has predominantly focused on how might influence learning assessed at a single timepoint. Here, we substantially extend this prior by examining performance time (i.e., several months) and leverage multifaceted approach that provides key insights into influences accuracy, maintenance knowledge time, generalization ability, decision processes. We found in depends timepoint whether individuals learned...

Middle-age is a critical period of rapid changes in brain function that presents an opportunity for early diagnostics and intervention neurodegenerative conditions later life. Hearing loss one such indicator linked to many comorbidities However, current clinical tests fail capture hearing difficulties ∼10% middle-aged adults seeking help at clinics. Cochlear neural degeneration (CND) could play role these deficits, but our understanding limited by the lack objective uncertainty regarding its...

Objectives: Understanding speech in adverse listening environments is challenging for older adults. Individual differences pure tone averages and working memory are known to be critical indicators of noise comprehension. Recent studies have suggested that tracking the envelope cortical oscillations <8 Hz may an important mechanism related comprehension by segmenting into words phrases (delta, 1 4 Hz) or phonemes syllables (theta, 8 Hz). The purpose this study was investigate extent which...

Subthreshold transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) synchronized with behavioral training can selectively enhance nonnative speech category learning in adults. Prior work has demonstrated that performance increases when taVNS is paired easier-to-learn Mandarin tone categories native English listeners, relative to harder-to-learn or without taVNS. Mechanistically, this temporally precise plasticity been attributed noradrenergic modulation. However, prior did not specifically...

The psychological nature of the association between MPFC modulation and social evaluation remains poorly understood. Despite confounds, small samples, mixed results in existing research, activation is often interpreted as a reflection socioemotional and/or perceived similarity self an target. present research addressed issues from literature by examining whether modulated (a) associations unconfounded previous knowledge (memory effects (Study 1, N = 48), repetition suppression 2, 43),...

Abstract Hearing thresholds form the gold standard assessment in Audiology clinics. However, ~ 10% of adult patients seeking audiological care for self-perceived hearing deficits have that are normal. Currently, a diagnostic auditory processing disorder (APD) remains one few viable avenues further this patient population, yet there no guidelines referrals. Here, we identified tests within APD testing battery could provide rapid screener to inform referrals adults. We first analyzed records...

Abstract Middle-age is a critical period of rapid changes in brain function that presents an opportunity for early diagnostics and intervention neurodegenerative conditions later life. Hearing loss one such indicator linked to many comorbidities However, current clinical tests fail capture hearing difficulties ∼10% middle-aged adults seeking help at clinics. Cochlear neural degeneration (CND) could play role these deficits, but our understanding limited by the lack objective uncertainty...

Speech perception declines independent of hearing thresholds in middle-age, and the neurobiological reasons are unclear. In line with age-related neural dedifferentiation hypothesis, we predicted that middle-aged adults show less distinct cortical representations phonemes acoustic-phonetic features relative to younger adults. addition an extensive audiological, auditory electrophysiological, speech perceptual test battery, measured electroencephalographic responses time-locked phoneme...

Language skills have long been posited to be a factor contributing developmental stuttering. The current study aimed evaluate whether novel word recognition, critical skill for language development, differentiated children who stutter from do not stutter. Twenty and 18 stutter, aged 3–8 years, completed recognition task. Real-time eye gaze was used online learning. Retention measured immediately after 1-hr delay. Children exhibited similar patterns of recognition. Both groups also had...

Abstract Sub-threshold transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) synchronized with behavioral training can selectively enhance non-native speech category learning in adults. Prior work has demonstrated performance increases when taVNS is paired easier-to-learn Mandarin tone categories native English listeners, relative to harder-to-learn or without taVNS. Mechanistically, this temporally-precise plasticity been attributed noradrenergic modulation. However, prior did not...

Abstract Pupillometry and drift-diffusion models (DDM) have emerged as powerful tools to offer insights into learning processes decisional dynamics. Specifically, pupillary dilation can serve a metric of arousal cognitive processing, DDMs examine underlying perceptual decision-making using behavioral accuracies response times. Methodological constraints complicated the combination two methods in study learning. require precise times, yet responses are slow impacted by motor movements. Here,...

Middle-age is a critical period of rapid changes in brain function that presents an opportunity for early diagnostics and intervention neurodegenerative conditions later life. Hearing loss one such indicator linked to many comorbidities However, current clinical tests fail capture hearing difficulties ∼10% middle-aged adults seeking help at clinics. Cochlear neural degeneration (CND) could play role these deficits, but our understanding limited by the lack objective uncertainty regarding its...

Optimal speech perception in noise requires successful separation of the target stream from multiple competing background streams. The ability to segregate these streams depends on fidelity bottom-up neural representations sensory information auditory system and top-down influences effortful listening. Here, we use objective neurophysiological measures temporal processing using envelope-following responses (EFRs) amplitude modulated tones investigate their interactions with pupil-indexed...

Abstract Across two experiments, we examine the relationship between individual differences in working memory (WM) and acquisition of non-native speech categories adulthood. While WM is associated with a variety learning tasks, successful argued to be contingent on WM-independent procedural-learning mechanisms. Thus, role category unclear. In Experiment 1, show that individuals higher acquire faster greater extent than those lower WM. 2, replicate these results use more optimal,...

What is the role of working memory over course non-native speech category learning? Prior work mixed with respect to in learning and has focused on how this important cognitive skill might influence accuracy assessed at a single timepoint. Here, we substantially extend prior by examining performance time (i.e., several months) leverage multifaceted approach that provides key insights into influences accuracy, generalization ability, decision processes. We find initial intermediate stages...

Understanding how the adult human brain learns novel categories is an important problem in neuroscience. Drift-diffusion models are popular such contexts for their ability to mimic underlying neural mechanisms. One model gradual longitudinal learning was recently developed Paulon, et al. (2020). Fitting drift-diffusion however require data on both category responses and associated response times. Category accuracies are, however, often only reliable measure recorded by behavioral scientists...