Better speech processing in smaller amplitudes

When we think of training, we typically equate improvement with something getting bigger or stronger, like a muscle. We might then expect that auditory training would have similar effects. In fact, several studies in young adults have found that training increases neural responses to auditory stimuli. For example, after training on discrimination of unfamiliar voice-onset-time contrasts, the mismatch negativity response and the P2 component of the magnetoencephalographic response increase (J Acoust Soc Am 1997;102[6]:3762-3773; BMC Neurosci 2013;14:151). There is also evidence that auditory training can enhance responses subcortically. Judy H. Song and colleagues found greater representation of pitch in speech-evoked brainstem responses after training (Cereb Cortex 2012;22[5]:1180-1190). Frequency discrimination training also enhances subcortical representation of pitch (J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2011;12[1]:89-100).