Compensatory Plasticity in the Deaf Brain

Good, A., Reed, M.J., & Russo, F.A. (2014). Compensatory Plasticity in the Deaf Brain: Effects on Perception of Music. Brain Sciences, 4(4), 560 -574

Authors

Arla Good – Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Canada
Maureen J. Reed – Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Canada
Frank A. Russo – Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Canada

Abstract

When one sense is unavailable, sensory responsibilities shift and processing of the remaining modalities becomes enhanced to compensate for missing information. This shift, referred to as compensatory plasticity, results in a unique sensory experience for individuals who are deaf, including the manner in which music is perceived. This paper evaluates the neural, behavioural and cognitive evidence for compensatory plasticity following auditory deprivation and considers how this manifests in a unique experience of music that emphasizes visual and vibrotactile modalities.

Keywords

Compensatory plasticity, Deaf, Music

Weblink

http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/4/4/560/htm