Coevolution of auditory sensitivity and temporal resolution with acoustic signal space in three songbirds

Henry, Kenneth S.; Lucas, Jeffrey R.

doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.08.003

Cited by 53 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…The ABR threshold is the lowest stimulus intensity that elicits a detectable ABR waveform. In birds, ABR thresholds are 25-30dB higher than behavioral auditory thresholds and correlate with ABR latency (Dmitrieva and Gottlieb, 1992;Brittan-Powell et al, 2002;Brittan-Powell et al, 2005;Henry and Lucas, 2008). ABR thresholds determined by cross-correlation, as in the present study, reflect contributions of the auditory periphery and brainstem.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…ABR thresholds were estimated using a cross-correlation technique described previously by Henry and Lucas (Henry and Lucas, 2008). Cross-correlation involves crossmultiplying two waveforms as the first waveform is shifted in time relative to the second.…”

Section: Auditory Brainstem Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Unlike most songbirds, house sparrows have a prolonged breeding season with multiple broods. Songs range in frequency from 3.2 to 5.4kHz (Henry and Lucas, 2008). Song rates peak during 3-4 egg-laying stages between late March and early August (Hegner and Wingfield, 1986a;Hegner and Wingfield, 1986b), and decrease gradually until November when activity in almost negligible [although some songs are still produced (Lowther and Cink, 2006)].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previously, we conducted a comprehensive study of ABRs to tone burst stimuli in the house sparrow using subjects captured outside of the breeding season (Henry and Lucas, 2008). Specifically, we described the effects of stimulus frequency and intensity on the amplitude and latency of the first ABR peak, and variation in ABR thresholds with stimulus frequency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vocally correlated seasonal auditory variation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Henry

Lucas

2009

Journal of Experimental Biology

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SUMMARYSongbirds exhibit seasonal plasticity in a broad variety of behavioral and morphological traits associated with reproduction. Changes in song production are well described while changes in song reception are not. In the present study, we test for seasonal variation in auditory processing of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to tone bursts. We measured amplitude and latency of the first ABR peak in spring, summer and autumn at stimulus frequencies from 0.8 to 6.4kHz and intensity levels from 24 to 80dB SPL. ABR thresholds were determined at each frequency using cross-correlation. Amplitude was greater in spring than in autumn at frequencies from 3.2 to 6.4kHz whereas latency and thresholds exhibited no seasonal variation. The results indicate an increase in the number or temporal synchrony of responses from peripheral auditory neurons during the early breeding season. Changes in peripheral auditory processing may enhance temporal coding of the fine structure and envelope of song; thereby, improving assessment of encoded information in both sexes (e.g. individual identity and dominance status) and auditory feedback during song production in males. Peripheral auditory changes may be mediated by reproductive hormones, and could involve changes in hair cell density on the basilar papilla. Our results suggest that peripheral auditory processing of songbirds changes seasonally in parallel with other behavioral and morphological traits, such as song production.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Section: Auditory Brainstem Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Vocally correlated seasonal auditory variation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Henry

Lucas

2009

Journal of Experimental Biology

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“…The recorded series of waves represents synchronized neural discharge during the progressive propagation of auditory neural activity through the ascending auditory pathway (Hall, 1992). The ABR provides a rapid estimate of the shape of the audiogram and range of hearing sensitivity, but thresholds are often 10À15 dB higher than when using behavioral methods (Borg, 1982;Borg and Engstr€ om, 1983;Gorga et al, 1988;Brittan-Powell et al, 2002;Wolski et al, 2003;Yuen et al, 2005;Houser and Finneran, 2006;Henry and Lucas, 2008). These elevated thresholds in the ABR can be attributed to differences in stimulus characteristics and measurement techniques between behavioral and electrophysiological methods, and as a result of the lack of synchrony in the neural discharges at lower frequencies (Silman and Silverman, 1991;Hall, 1992;Szymanski et al, 1999;Brittan-Powell et al, 2002;Schlundt et al, 2007;Ladich and Fay, 2013;Sisneros et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In-air hearing of a diving duck: A comparison of psychoacoustic and auditory brainstem response thresholds

Crowell

Wells‐Berlin

Therrien

et al. 2016

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

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Auditory sensitivity was measured in a species of diving duck that is not often kept in captivity, the lesser scaup. Behavioral (psychoacoustics) and electrophysiological [the auditory brainstem response (ABR)] methods were used to measure in-air auditory sensitivity, and the resulting audiograms were compared. Both approaches yielded audiograms with similar U-shapes and regions of greatest sensitivity (2000À3000 Hz). However, ABR thresholds were higher than psychoacoustic thresholds at all frequencies. This difference was least at the highest frequency tested using both methods (5700 Hz) and greatest at 1000 Hz, where the ABR threshold was 26.8 dB higher than the behavioral measure of threshold. This difference is commonly reported in studies involving many different species. These results highlight the usefulness of each method, depending on the testing conditions and availability of the animals. [http://dx

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A comparison of auditory brainstem responses and behavioral estimates of hearing sensitivity in Lemur catta and Nycticebus coucang

Ramsier

Dominy

2009

American J Primatol

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Primates depend on acoustic signals and cues to avoid predators, locate food, and share information. Accordingly, the structure and function of acoustic stimuli have long been emphasized in studies of primate behavioral and cognitive ecology. Yet, few studies have addressed how well primates hear such stimuli; indeed, the auditory thresholds of most primate species are unknown. This empirical void is due in part to the logistic and economic challenges attendant on traditional behavioral testing methods. Technological advances have produced a safe and cost-effective alternative-the auditory brainstem response (ABR) method, which can be utilized in field conditions, on virtually any animal species, and without subject training. Here we used the ABR and four methods of threshold determination to construct audiograms for two strepsirrhine primates: the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and slow loris (Nycticebus coucang). Next, to verify the general efficacy of the ABR method, we compared our results to published behaviorally-derived audiograms. We found that the four ABR threshold detection methods produced similar results, including relatively elevated thresholds but similarly shaped audiograms compared to those derived behaviorally. The ABR and behavioral absolute thresholds were significantly correlated, and the frequencies of best sensitivity and high-frequency limits were comparable. However, at frequencies < or =2 kHz, ABR thresholds were especially elevated, resulting in decreased agreement with behavioral thresholds and, in Lemur, the ABR 10-dB range starting points were more than 2 octaves higher than the behavioral points. Finally, a comparison of ABR- and behaviorally-derived audiograms from various animal taxa demonstrates the widespread efficacy of the ABR for estimating frequency of best sensitivity, but otherwise suggests caution; factors such as stimulus properties and threshold definition affect results. We conclude that the ABR method is a promising technique for estimating primate hearing sensitivity, but that additional data are required to explore its efficacy for estimating low-frequency thresholds.

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Coevolution of auditory sensitivity and temporal resolution with acoustic signal space in three songbirds

Cited by 53 publications

References 49 publications

Vocally correlated seasonal auditory variation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Vocally correlated seasonal auditory variation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)

In-air hearing of a diving duck: A comparison of psychoacoustic and auditory brainstem response thresholds

A comparison of auditory brainstem responses and behavioral estimates of hearing sensitivity in Lemur catta and Nycticebus coucang

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