# Spectral and Temporal Integration in the Auditory System

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2023 · $627,052

## Abstract

Our long-term goal is to elucidate the relationship between neural activity, sound processing, perception
and behavior. We specifically propose to establish the relationship of neural activity to discriminating and
detecting sound features in the primary auditory cortex (A1) and lateral belt of non-human subjects with
the goal of revealing the transformations occurring as the auditory cortical hierarchy is ascended. We
address the question: How do neuronal responses in auditory cortex relate to non-human subjects'
psychophysical and behavioral performance in discriminating sound modulation? The three aims are
designed to compare three fundamental aspects related to these issues in A1 and in the lateral belt of
auditory cortex to determine the changing emphasis of processing along the ascending cortical pathway.
Aim 1 is to determine the neural basis of modulation discrimination. Aim 2 is to determine the effect of
behavioral state and auditory attention on neurons ability to encode sound features. Aim 3. is to
determine how neuronal responses from auditory cortex are related to perception, task-parameters, and
behavioral choices. To achieve these aims, we will establish the quantitative relationships between single
neuron auditory cortical activity and the ability of neurons and non-human subjects to discriminate
sounds, and determine what codes most likely underlie perceptual ability. We will also record from single
neurons while non-human subjects perform different sound discrimination tasks with attentional
distractors to determine the role of primary and secondary sensory cortical areas in the transformation
from sensation to task performance. This will give insight into how attention improves neural processing
at the single neuron level and whether primary sensory cortex receives information or is involved in the
processes that lead to action. Because the proposal relates function to different parts of the brain it is
relevant for a better understanding about how punctate brain damage such as that caused by stroke
affects auditory function. The results of these studies will help us to better understand how attending
sound modulates auditory activity and thus makes this basic science have relevance for the spectrum
disorders (that include, but are not limited to attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, etc). The results also
could have relevance in helping to guide approaches to coding for hearing aids and cochlear implants
since both neural coding and the ability to focus on sounds are relevant for designing these devices.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10515663
- **Project number:** 5R01DC002514-27
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** MITCHELL L SUTTER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $627,052
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-02-01 → 2026-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10515663

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10515663, Spectral and Temporal Integration in the Auditory System (5R01DC002514-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10515663. Licensed CC0.

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