To begin with, and as we have said, by learning pronunciation, you learn to notice how we speak and, with practice, you get to know what you have to do to be able to imitate successfully. What happens is that instead of "listen and repeat", you listen, understand the pronunciation, and repeat successfully.  In addition, you learn to detect how native speakers sound and how you sound, therefore it is easier to correct and imitate.   We know from experience that learning a language is like a roller coaster, and so is pronunciation! But the ability to recognize and produce in a controlled manner is never lost or forgotten. With the integrated pronunciation method you gain a lifelong skill.