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Decoding auditory deprivation: resting-state fMRI insights into deafness and brain plasticity

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Abstract

Deafness, as a profound manifestation of sensory deprivation, prompts a cascade of intricate cerebral adaptations. In this study, involving 35 deaf individuals and 35 hearing controls, we utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to delve into the depths of functional connectivity nuances distinguishing deaf individuals from their hearing counterparts. Leading our analytical approach was the application of multi-voxel pattern analysis (fc-MVPA). This advanced method provided a refined perspective, revealing amplified neural connectivity within the deaf population. Notably, regions such as the left postcentral somatosensory association cortex, the anterior and posterior corridors of the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), and the left mid-temporal lobe were identified as hotspots of heightened connectivity. Further, fc-MVPA shed light on intricate interaction effects, which became more pronounced when examining variables such as the duration of auditory deprivation and the extent of sign language exposure. These interactions were particularly evident in the premotor and left frontal mid-orbital regions. Complementing this, seed-based connectivity assessments illuminated pronounced coupling dynamics within the left STG spectrum. Concurrently, local correlation (LCOR) value analysis in the deaf group revealed significant shifts in the right superior STG and bilateral precuneus. In addition, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) evaluations indicated modulations in the bilateral mid cingulum and left superior mid frontal gyrus. This comprehensive, fc-MVPA-driven exploration uncovers the multifaceted functional adaptations resulting from deafness, highlighting the profound plasticity of the human brain and its potential implications for targeted rehabilitative strategies.

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Acknowledgements

We express our gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology for their generous funding (grant no. DST/CSRI/2018/114).

Funding

This study was supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India (grant no. DST/CSRI/2018/114).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India

    Uttam Kumar & Kalpana Dhanik

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  1. Uttam Kumar
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  2. Kalpana Dhanik
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Contributions

UK contributed to the conceptualization of the study, data acquisition, analysis of fMRI data, and drafting of the manuscript. KD played a significant role in the design of the study, data acquisition, and interpretation of the results. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Uttam Kumar.

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Kumar, U., Dhanik, K. Decoding auditory deprivation: resting-state fMRI insights into deafness and brain plasticity. Brain Struct Funct 229, 729–740 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-023-02757-1

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