Aggregate neural responses to speech sounds in the central auditory system

The fundamental complexity of speech-in both the spectral and temporal domains-elicits extensive dynamic activity from a broad neural population. Evoked potentials rely on a summation of synchronous aggregate neural activity, making them especially suitable for speech-sound investigation. This paper summarizes research from our lab that demonstrates the efficacy of speech-evoked responses in addressing three fundamental issues. First, the neural bases of left-brain specialization to speech are investigated in an animal model. Second, studies are aimed at inferring the underlying causes of certain language-based learning disabilities. Finally, in a series of before-and-after designs, the underlying neural plasticity that accompanies directed speech-sound training is explored. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.