Speech sound representation in the brain

Biologic processes underlying speech sound perception and learning have bee n addressed using the mismatch negativity (MMN) evoked response. First is a consideration of how the acoustic properties of the signal affect the neur al mechanisms and brain regions engaged. Because the MMN differs depending on the acoustic characteristics of the stimuli used to elicit the response, it has been used to probe mechanisms underlying the neural representation of stimuli along the auditory pathway, Second is a consideration of neuroph ysiologic correlates of speech sound perception and learning. Detailed is a 'behavioral-neurophysiologic, acoustic-phonetic approach', used to link pe rception with underlying physiologic processes in humans. The focus here is on children and what has been learned about normal maturation of speech so und perception and its disruption in certain children with learning disorde rs. The last topic is a consideration of central nervous system changes wit h perceptual learning. This includes long-term experience with one's native language and short-term auditory training in the laboratory. Limitations a nd future challenges are discussed, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.