Auditory cortex activation is modulated by emotion: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study

►The first fNIRS study to show that emotional sounds enhance auditory cortex activation. ►An ecologically valid, non-invasive and silent neuroimaging technique was used (fNIRS). ►Pleasant and unpleasant auditory cues similarly enhance activity of auditory sensory areas. ►Emotional modulation of sensory areas may be an adaptive mechanism.