Sensitive period

The "sensitive period" in brain development, as discussed by Andrew Huberman and Dr. Eddie Chang, reflects a stage when the brain is highly susceptible to environmental inputs, particularly sensory patterns like sounds and visuals. This period is essential for the development of language and other sensory-related functions.

For instance, during early brain development, humans can adapt to different speech sounds specific to their native language. If raised in a white noise environment, animals like rodents show prolonged sensitivity periods, delaying their auditory cortex maturation, indicating an extended window of brain plasticity 1 .

This concept particularly suggests that the nature and timing of environmental exposure can keep this critical window open longer, which might slow down certain developmental processes but also maintain plasticity potential. Thus, both genetics and environmental sounds contribute to the duration and effects of these sensitive periods.