Functional dynamics of auditory system during active listening tasks (@brain)

We investigate the effects of active listening tasks on auditory information processing in the cortical and subcortical auditory centers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Our aim is to explain the observed dynamics of brain activations during different listening tasks using concepts and theoretical models defined at the level of the functioning brain.

The research is based on the results of recent neurophysiological and imaging studies demonstrating that the dynamics of task-dependent modulations within the auditory cortex and in subcortical auditory centers are considerably more complex than generally assumed (e.g., Rinne et al, Journal of Neuroscience, 2009, pdf; Rinne et al, Journal of Neurophysiology, 2008, pdf).

This research project started in spring 2009.