Audiobooks don't really count as reading? Think again. - Harvard Gazette

"The neural networks that process written and oral language are deeply intertwined and largely overlap when reading print books or listening to audiobooks. There isn't much of a difference between the brain network for reading and the brain network for language comprehension. The brain area we call the 'letter box,' which processes print, is not as engaged when you listen, but it has been shown that when some people listen to words, they visualize them, so the letter box gets activated as well."

"The theory of learning styles has been debunked. It's not the case that someone learns better by listening or by reading. You may have a preference, but learning is sort of the same regardless of the modality."

Cognitive neuroscientist Nadine Gaab and other education scholars challenge the widespread belief that audiobooks are less rigorous than print books. Research demonstrates that the brain operates identically whether reading print or listening to audiobooks, with neural networks for written and oral language deeply intertwined and largely overlapping. The theory of learning styles has been debunked; individuals may have preferences, but learning effectiveness remains consistent across modalities. While the brain's 'letter box' processes print less when listening, people often visualize words during listening, activating this region anyway. Both formats offer distinct advantages, and dismissing audiobooks as cheating is counterproductive to learning and development.

Read at Harvard Gazette