Reconceptualizing the Primary Auditory Cortex: Learning, Memory and Specific Plasticity

Since 1985, attitudes about the role of the primary auditory cortex (AI) in learning, memory, and adult plasticity have changed from a denial, or studied disinterest, to an acceptance of these roles and, presently, to a new lack of interest. From the traditional assumption that AI is only an acoustic analyzer to the prevalent belief that learning-induced plasticity serves only to facilitate sensory analysis, auditory neuroscientists are expressing (more in private than in publication) a growing boredom with cortical plasticity. One worker wondered: “How much longer must we be subjected to endless demonstrations of plasticity?” From one viewpoint, this attitude is completely understandable, because (almost) every study of plasticity finds plasticity, first for acoustic frequency and, more recently, for any other acoustic parameter that has been used as a signal for reward or punishment. If all that has been gained is the continued compilation of plasticity demonstrations, boredom would be justified. But that is not all there is to it.