Listen and Learn - Statistical Learning and the Adapting Auditory Brain

This project will explore the link between rapid neural adaptation - a form of learning referred to as statistical learning - and human listening performance in noisy environments. Translating findings from experimental animal studies to the study of human brain function, it will generate a new understanding of mechanisms that contribute to listeners' abilities to understand speech in noise, and to complex communication disorders such as dyslexia. Expected outcomes will include increased capacity to investigate a broad range of cognitive and communication functions. Benefits will include potential technologies and algorithms to assist listening (in devices such as hearing aids), language development and reading.