Auditory Processing in Musicians, a Cross-Sectional Study, as a Basis for Auditory Training Optimization

Sight-over-sound effect depends on interaction between evaluators' musical experience and auditory-visual integration: An examination using Japanese brass band competition recordings

The sight-over-sound effect, in which visual information dominates auditory cues in musical evaluations, challenges the common belief that sound is the primary factor in music evaluation. However, the replicability of the sight-over-sound effect remains controversial across different musical genres and contexts. Here, we investigated the sight-over-sound effect using recordings from Japanese brass band competitions with carefully controlled musical pieces and camera angles. Adult participants (age: 34.81 ± 11.71 years [mean ± standard deviation]) were divided into three groups based on their brass band and musical experience. Of the 301 participants, 171 were brass band musicians (age: 33.08 ± 11.57 years), 78 were non-brass band musicians (age: 35.39 ± 13.03 years), and 52 were non-musicians (age: 39.15 ± 8.73 years). The sight-over-sound effect was observed in non-brass band musicians (Kruskal-Wallis test: p < 0.001) but was absent in brass band musicians (p = 0.48) and non-musicians (p = 0.37). These findings indicate that the sight-over-sound effect depends on musical experience; specifically, our results indicate that auditory training in brass band musicians may mitigate the visual influence. Furthermore, the absence of the sight-over-sound effect in non-musicians suggests that without specific musical training, evaluators may not consistently prioritize visual information. The present findings fill a critical gap in our understanding of multisensory integration, especially regarding how different levels of musical expertise shape evaluative processes across sensory modalities. Our results underscore the need for educational and evaluative practices to consciously balance the influences of visual and auditory cues, particularly in situations in which visual dominance may overshadow auditory quality.

Vestibulocochlear system and quality of life in musicians: a study on the effects of auditory exposure

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the effects of sound exposure on the vestibulocochlear system and the quality of life among musicians.

METHODS

Fifty-six individuals participated, including 28 musicians and 28 non-musicians, aged 18 to 45 years, of both genders. Participants underwent medical history assessment, basic audiological evaluation, vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), and exclusively, WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire.

RESULTS

Professional and enthusiast musicians participated, showing increased auditory thresholds at 3 and 4 kHz frequencies and considerably satisfactory quality of life. There was significance in cervical VEMP latencies and the latency of the P15 wave in the left ocular VEMP of the study group compared to the control group. VEMP demonstrated larger waves bilaterally in men compared to women.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that sound exposure, within tolerance limits in terms of time and intensity, was capable of providing auditory, vestibular, and quality of life benefits for musicians.

Temporal resolution and pitch discrimination in music education: novel data in children

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation of hearing and listening difficulties through neuroplasticity of the auditory nervous system is a promising technique. Evidence of enhanced auditory processing in adult musicians is often not based on clinical auditory processing tests and is lacking in children with musical education.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal resolution and frequency discrimination elements of auditory processing both in adults and children with musical education and to compare them with those without any musical education.

METHODS

Participants consisted of ten children without musical training and ten children with musical training with mean age 11.3 years and range 8-15 years as well as ten adults without musical education and ten adults with musical education with mean age 38.1 years and range 30-45 years. All participants were tested with two temporal resolution tests (GIN:Gaps-In-Noise and RGDT:Random Gap Detection Test), a temporal ordering frequency test (FPT:Frequency Pattern Test), and a frequency discrimination test (DLF: Different Limen for Frequency).

RESULTS

All test results revealed better performance in both children and adults with musical training for both ears.

CONCLUSION

A positive effect of formal music education for specific auditory processing elements in both children and adults is documented. Larger samples, longitudinal studies, as well as groups with impaired hearing and/or auditory processing are needed to further substantiate the effect shown.