Can we predict who will benefit from computer-based phonetic training?

This study investigated whether specific auditory or cognitive skills were linked to initial sensitivity to a novel phonetic contrast (Korean lenis-aspirated contrast) or to the degree of learning following computer-based phonetic training. Correlations between auditory or cognitive skills and phonetic perception were generally fairly weak, with measures of frequency acuity and attentional switching most often correlated with phonetic ability. The ability to sort stimuli according to a particular acoustic cue was also correlated with performance on the syllable and word identification tests. However, rate of learning was not correlated with any of the auditory or cognitive skills tested.