Cortical plasticity and reorganization in hearing loss

Authors

  • Anu Sharma Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
  • Hannah Glick Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
  • Lauren Durkee Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA

Abstract

Hearing-impaired adults and children who receive intervention with hearing aids and cochlear implants provide a platform to examine the trajectories and characteristics of deprivation-induced and experience-dependent plasticity in the central auditory system. We review the evidence for sensitive periods for development of the central auditory pathways. A sensitive period in early childhood appears to coincide with the period maximal synaptogenesis in the auditory cortex. Implantation within this sensitive period provides the auditory experience needed for refinement of essential synaptic pathways. Cross-modal recruitment is another aspect of plasticity that is apparent in deaf children. In long-term congenital deafness, somatosensory and visual stimuli activate higher-order auditory areas.  Overall, it appears that the functional activation of cognitive circuitry resulting from cortical reorganization in deafness is predictive of outcomes after intervention. A better understanding of cortical development and reorganization in auditory deprivation has important implications for optimal intervention and habilitation of these patients.

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Published

2013-12-15

How to Cite

Sharma, A., Glick, H., & Durkee, L. (2013). Cortical plasticity and reorganization in hearing loss. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 4, 179–188. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2013-19

Issue

Vol. 4 (2013): Auditory Plasticity - Listening with the Brain

Section

2013/3. Plasticity and auditory disorders

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