Plasticity of the developing auditory system.

Anatomical, physiological and behavioral data indicate that the auditory system matures from the periphery centrally, ie, centripetally. There is now information which shows that the developing auditory system can be modified by anatomical changes which have their greatest effect during early development. Anatomical, physiological and behavioral changes can also be brought about by the quality of the auditory stimuli which th auditory system experiences. Evidence for the plasticity of the developing auditory system has come from studies of a number of different species. The plasticity of the auditory system is of theoretical and clinical significance.