Frequency selectivity of tonal language native speakers probed by suppression tuning curves of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions

Sina Engler,Emile De Kleine,Paul Avan,Pim Van Dijk

doi:10.1016/j.heares.2020.108100

Sina Engler, Emile De Kleine + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2020.108100

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Abstract

Native acquisition of a tonal language (TL) is related to enhanced abilities of pitch perception and production, compared to non-tonal language (NTL) native speakers. Moreover, differences in brain responses to both linguistically relevant and non-relevant pitch changes have been described in TL native speakers. It is so far unclear to which extent differences are present at the peripheral processing level of the cochlea. To determine possible differences in cochlear frequency selectivity between Asian TL speakers and Caucasian NTL speakers, suppression tuning curves (STCs) of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) were examined in both groups. By presenting pure tones, SOAE levels were suppressed and STCs were derived. SOAEs with center frequencies higher than 4.5 kHz were recorded only in female TL native speakers, which correlated with better high-frequency tone detection thresholds. The suppression thresholds at the tip of the STC and filter quality coefficient Q10dB did not differ significantly between both language groups. Thus, the characteristics of the STCs of SOAEs do not support the presence of differences in peripheral auditory processing between TL and NTL native speakers.

Highlights

Languages can be differentiated into tonal (TL) or non-tonal (NTL)
Our findings correspond with previous research that reported that Asians are more likely to emit spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) at higher frequencies compared to Caucasians (Whitehead et al, 1993; Chan and McPherson, 2001)
This would affect the SOAE transmission towards the outside and the transmission of high frequency sounds into the ear, which could explain lower hearing thresholds at higher frequencies in TL native speakers (Fig. 1A)

Summary

Introduction

Languages can be differentiated into tonal (TL) or non-tonal (NTL). Several studies addressed a link between native language and the acuity of pitch perception. It is not surprising that native speakers of TL pay more attention to pitch changes (Braun and Johnson, 2011) and outperform native NTL speakers in pitch interval discrimination (Pfordresher and Brown, 2009; Hove et al, 2010; Giuliano et al, 2011). Producing and perceiving TL-cues may enhance pitch perception (Pfordresher and Brown, 2009; Giuliano et al, 2011) and production (Deutsch et al, 2004). These findings indicate that the individual linguistic background potentially affects pitch perception to some degree

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