Is reading always better for your brain than listening to audiobooks?

As someone who enjoys reading—and writing too—I often find it troubling to encounter consistent reports of declining leisure reading among younger generations. Recently, a friend inquired whether her daughter received the same cognitive advantages from audiobooks as from traditional reading; my immediate thought was that if she is enjoying a book, the format shouldn’t matter. However, upon exploring the science, it became evident that each medium impacts our minds in distinct yet significant ways.

The Advantages of Reading

There is a wealth of evidence supporting the notion that reading is beneficial. Beyond the understanding it confers and the opportunities it offers, a multitude of studies have established connections between childhood literacy and both mental and physical well-being—even prolonged lifespan.

Reading is believed to enhance three key cognitive processes. Firstly, it promotes “deep reading”, where readers create links between different sections, reflect on personal relevance, and ponder deeper questions about the text—all of which can profoundly reshape one’s worldview.

Secondly, engaging with texts fosters empathy and emotional intelligence, traits that are invaluable in navigating stress and real-life challenges. Lastly, studies suggest a correlation between reading and the development of “theory of mind”, which pertains to grasping the nuances of others’ thoughts and beliefs.

Yet, disentangling the influence of reading from external factors proves challenging. Readers may enjoy additional privileges such as more leisure time, financial stability, or even genetic advantages that render reading easier—these factors may subsequently affect cognitive abilities or health outcomes.

Nonetheless, one study involving over 3,500 individuals attempted to control for these variables and discovered that those who dedicate around 30 minutes a day to book reading exhibit a 20% lower mortality risk over a 12-year span compared to non-readers. They also noted that this benefit was more pronounced among those who read books as opposed to simply scanning newspapers or magazines.

Digital Formats: Screens and Audiobooks

When evaluating the differences between reading print versus other formats like e-readers or audiobooks, the equilibrium tilts in varied directions. Several studies indicate that screen reading often encourages skimming behavior, potentially diminishing comprehension compared to reading printed material.

Other nuanced distinctions arise as well. In a series of studies led by Anne Mangen from the University of Stavanger in Norway and Frank Hakemulder from Utrecht University, findings showed that individuals who typically engage with shorter text formats on screens are less inclined to search for deeper meaning in the content. Furthermore, a correlation was identified where increased screen reading resulted in reduced persistence when tackling longer literary works.

In terms of audiobooks, the findings are less abundant but relatively comforting—research tends to indicate that comprehension remains comparably effective regardless of whether we are reading or listening. However, some subtle discrepancies have come to light. A meta-analysis encompassing 46 studies suggested that reading might have a slight advantage in making inferences, such as interpreting characters’ emotions.

Distinct Cognitive Approaches

Interestingly, listening and reading seem to activate different cognitive pathways. For instance, a study showed that participants presented with problems either verbally or in writing, tended to reason more intuitively when listening, while more analytically when reading.

Engaging with audiobooks also introduces the influence of another person’s voice, which may impart intonation, rhythm, and emotion—elements that can significantly alter interpretation. In contrast, reading requires an internalized voice, offering a more meditative and individualized experience. According to Janet Geipel from the University of Exeter, these variances are likely to affect how we comprehend and utilize information.

Nevertheless, Geipel emphasizes that “listening to audiobooks is not inherently detrimental.” What may be less effective is how attention is allocated; if a person is entirely focused, listening can be just as advantageous as reading. However, engaging in multitasking while listening may compromise depth of processing compared to undistracted reading sessions.

Finding Your Optimal Format

Moreover, listening while reading introduces additional layers. A meta-analysis by Virginia Clinton-Lisell at the University of North Dakota proposes a marginal comprehension enhancement when individuals listen and read simultaneously, particularly benefiting those who struggle with reading, such as individuals with dyslexia or those learning a new language. Conversely, accomplished readers might face drawbacks—referred to as “cognitive load theory,” wherein information presented in multiple formats may confuse cognitive processes and lead to overload.

In the end, numerous reasons might compel you to choose audiobooks over traditional print—be it dyslexia, vision issues, long commutes, or personal preferences. When questioning the cognitive benefits of each medium, Geipel notes, “there is no straightforward answer.”

If you have the opportunity to select, it’s advisable to reserve complex podcasts or intellectually stimulating books for times of undivided attention, rather than during tasks like preparing dinner. However, for pure enjoyment—like in the case of my friend’s daughter—opting for an audiobook is undoubtedly a far better alternative than missing out on the story altogether.