Stronger bilateral efferent influences on cochlear biomechanical activity in musicians than in non-musicians

Author(s): Micheyl, C., Khalfa, S., Collet, L.

Journal/Book: Neurosci Lett. 1999; 262: 167-70.

Abstract: The auditory sensory end organ is under the control of the central nervous system via efferent projections. Contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions (acoustic signatures of the cochlear biomechanical activity) provides a non-invasive approach to assess olivocochlear efferent activity in humans. Using this approach, the present study compared professional musicians with musically- inexperienced subjects. The results revealed stronger bilateral cochlear suppression, suggesting larger efferent influences in both ears, in musicians. Furthermore, in indicating no difference in left/right asymmetry of efferent-mediated suppression between the two groups, the present findings suggest that the observed differences in olivocochlear activity reflect bilaterally-enhanced activity of the cortical auditory structures in musicians rather than differences in cerebral hemispheric asymmetry between the two groups.

Keyword(s): Acoustic Stimulation. Adult. Auditory Pathways/physiology. Biomechanics. Cochlea/innervation/physiology. Comparative Study. Efferent Pathways/physiology. Evoked Potentials, Auditory. Female. Human. Laterality. Male. Music. Olivary Nucleus/physiology

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