Hybrid auditory fMRI: In pursuit of increasing data acquisition while decreasing the impact of scanner noise

Abstract

Background: Two challenges in auditory fMRI include the loud scanner noise during sound presentation and slow data acquisition. Here, we introduce a new auditory imaging protocol, termed "hybrid", that alleviates these obstacles.

New method: We designed a within-subject experiment (N = 14) wherein language-driven activity was measured by hybrid, interleaved silent (ISSS), and continuous multiband acquisition. To determine the advantage of noise attenuation during sound presentation, hybrid was compared to multiband. To identify the benefits of increased temporal resolution, hybrid was compared to ISSS. Data were evaluated by whole-brain univariate general linear modeling (GLM) and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA).

Results: Comparison with existing methods: CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that hybrid imaging restored neural activity in the canonical language network that was absent due to the loud noise or slow sampling in the conventional imaging protocols. With its noise-attenuated sound presentation windows and increased acquisition speed, the hybrid protocol is well-suited for auditory fMRI research tracking neural activity pertaining to fast, time-varying acoustic events.

Keywords: Auditory neuroimaging; Fast imaging; Functional MRI; Language; MR sequence; Silent imaging; Speech perception.