Sensory experience modulates the reorganisation of temporal auditory regions for executive processing

Crossmodal plasticity refers to reorganisation of sensory cortices in the absence of their main sensory input. Understanding this phenomenon provides insights into brain function and its potential for change and enhancement. Using fMRI, we investigated how early deafness and consequent varied language experience influence crossmodal plasticity and the organisation of executive functions in the adult brain of male and female individuals. Results from a range of visual executive function tasks (working memory, switching, planning, inhibition) show that, as a function of the degree of deafness, deaf individuals specifically recruit “auditory” regions during switching. This recruitment correlates with performance, highlighting its functional relevance. We also observed recruitment of auditory temporal regions during planning, but only in deaf individuals with the highest language scores, suggesting differential use of linguistic skills to support executive functions. Our results show executive processing in typically sensory regions, suggesting that the development and ultimate role of brain regions are influenced by perceptual environmental experience. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.