Perspective (graphical)

Relevance (law)

Neuroscience

Cognitive science

Auditory cortex

Encoding (memory)

Political science

Cognitive psychology

Artificial intelligence

Psychology

Fidelity

Computer science

Neuroplasticity

Telecommunications

Nature Communications

The auditory frequency-following response (FFR) is a non-invasive index of the fidelity of sound encoding in the brain, and is used to study the integrity, plasticity, and behavioral relevance of the neural encoding of sound. In this Perspective, we review recent evidence suggesting that, in humans, the FFR arises from multiple cortical and subcortical sources, not just subcortically as previously believed, and we illustrate how the FFR to complex sounds can enhance the wider field of auditory neuroscience. Far from being of use only to study basic auditory processes, the FFR is an uncommonly multifaceted response yielding a wealth of information, with much yet to be tapped.

Evolving perspectives on the sources of the frequency-following response