G. Nike Gnanateja, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Neural Processing of Periodicity Cues in Speech
In this presentation, I will delve into my exploration of the past and present applications of the Frequency Following Response (FFR), a non-invasive electroencephalographic tool, in assessing speech processing and plasticity in humans. FFRs offer invaluable insights into the brain’s processing of speech and music, capturing essential elements such as periodicity and harmonic components. I will provide a concise overview of FFRs, and the metrics utilized in their analysis. Additionally, I will discuss the neural origins of FFRs, shedding light on their contribution to plasticity theories. Additionally, presenting our recent research on the neural sources of FFRs, I will explore its implications for evolving plasticity theories. I will briefly touch upon methodological advancements in ecologically valid FFR stimulus presentations. Finally, I will outline our upcoming longitudinal study aiming to leverage FFRs to longitudinally assess plasticity in sub-cortical and cortical processing.