Differential auditory signal processing in an animal model

Abstract

Auditory evoked responses were collected in male zebra finches (Poephila guttata) to objectively determine differential frequency selectivity. First, the mating call of the animal was recorded and analyzed for its frequency components through the customized program. Then, auditory brainstem responses and cortical responses of each anesthetized animal were routinely recorded in response to tone bursts of 1–8 kHz derived from the corresponding mating call spectrum. From the results, most mating calls showed relatively consistent spectral structures. The upper limit of the spectrum was well under 10 kHz. The peak energy bands were concentrated in the region less than 5 kHz. The assessment of auditory brainstem responses and cortical evoked potentials showed differential selectivity with a series of characteristic scales. This system appears to be an excellent model to investigate complex sound processing and related language behaviors. These data could also be used in designing effective signal processing strategies in auditory rehabilitation devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. [Work supported by Brain Science & Engineering Program from Korean Ministry of Science and Technology.]