Imagine this: You’re talking with a friend about a book you just read, raving about the twists, the characters, the gripping story. Then they ask, “Oh, you read it? In print or audiobook?” You pause—because, well, you listened to it. Is listening to audiobooks the same as reading?
This question sparks debate among book lovers. Some argue that reading means engaging with the written word on a page, while others believe that absorbing the same story through sound should count just the same. With the rise of audiobooks, e-books, and various digital formats, the way we experience books is evolving. But does listening to audiobooks really measure up to traditional reading? Or is it simply a different, yet equally valid, way to enjoy a book?
Let’s dive into the science, the arguments, and the ultimate answer to whether audiobooks fall under the category of reading.
Do You Count Audiobooks as Reading? What It Really Means to ‘Read’
For centuries, reading has meant engaging with the written word—whether on ancient scrolls, handwritten manuscripts, or printed books. When we read, our eyes scan words, our brains process their meaning, and we form an understanding in our own head.
But does reading always have to involve the eyes? Talking books—the earliest form of audiobooks—were created in the 1930s to help blind individuals access books. And now, millions of people listen to books every day, whether for convenience or necessity. The question is: Does hearing a book provide the same intellectual and emotional experience as reading print?
The Science of Listening vs. Reading
At a cognitive level, listening and reading activate similar parts of the brain. When you hear a book, your brain still processes words, interprets meaning, and builds comprehension. However, there are differences:
- Reading print requires decoding symbols (letters) and forming mental images.
- Listening engages auditory processing and relies on memory to retain information.
- Focus and distractions vary—listening while multitasking (like driving) can reduce comprehension.
Additionally, the rising trend of audio readers highlights how audiobooks have become increasingly popular among those who enjoy multitasking. Studies and surveys show that a significant percentage of audiobook listeners engage in activities like driving or household chores while listening, suggesting that audiobooks serve as a modern alternative to traditional reading formats.
But does this mean audiobooks are inferior? Not necessarily. Studies show that for many people, listening simultaneously to an audio version while reading a book can actually enhance comprehension.
Does Reading with Your Ears Count?
If you’re experiencing the same words and the same story, does the format really matter? Some argue that if a blind person or someone with low vision listens to books, we wouldn’t say they didn’t “read” them. So why should it be different for anyone else?
Audiobooks provide access to books for people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or busy lifestyles. Some people absorb information better through audio, just as others prefer print. The goal of reading isn’t just about looking at words—it’s about understanding, learning, and experiencing. This raises the question of whether audiobooks count as reading. Societal perceptions and personal narratives often grapple with this, as individuals who prefer audio formats may feel judged or not considered true readers.
Print Books vs. Audiobooks: Pros and Cons
📖 Print Books: The Classic Experience
✅ Deeper focus and retention
✅ The satisfaction of turning pages
✅ No distractions from screens or notifications
✅ Easy to highlight, take notes, and reread
🎧 Audiobooks: Reading on the Go
✅ Convenient—listen while driving, exercising, or doing chores ✅ Great for auditory learners ✅ Brings characters to life with narration and voice acting ✅ Helps with comprehension of complex books
Neither format is better—they simply provide different experiences. Some prefer the physical book feel, while others love the flexibility of audiobooks. Additionally, the narrator’s voice in audiobooks can meld with one’s own voice, creating an immersive experience similar to traditional reading.
Audiobooks and Reading Comprehension: Do They Measure Up?
One concern people have is whether reading comprehension is different with audiobooks. This debate often revolves around the ‘audiobook count’—whether listening to an audiobook should be considered equivalent to reading a book. Studies show that for most people, comprehension levels between audiobooks and print books are comparable—as long as the listener is fully engaged.
However, factors like background noise, multitasking, and passive listening can affect retention. If you’re simply letting an audiobook play in the background, you might not absorb it as well as if you were sitting with a paperback.
Still, audiobook lovers argue that hearing a narrator’s voice can actually enhance the reading experience—especially for dialogue-heavy stories. Many authors today even record their own voices for audiobooks, adding a personal touch.
Are Audiobooks “Cheating” or Just Another Way to Read?
Some traditionalists argue that audiobooks don’t count as “real” reading. But why do we treat one format as more legitimate than another?
The way people consume stories has changed throughout history. From oral storytelling to printed books to ebooks and now audiobooks, every generation adapts to new formats. Comparing audiobooks to physical books, audiobooks can enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, providing a more inclusive experience for those who struggle with visual reading or concentration issues. In the end, if you’re engaging with ideas, characters, and narratives, it counts.
For many, audiobooks aren’t just a preference—they’re the only format they can access. If we say listening doesn’t count as reading, we ignore the millions of print-disabled readers who rely on audiobooks to experience stories.
The Accessibility of Audiobooks: Opening Doors for All
Audiobooks have revolutionized the way people consume books, making reading more accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. For individuals who are blind or have low vision, audiobooks provide an equal opportunity to enjoy literature, learn new things, and escape into different worlds. In fact, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) has been providing talking books to individuals with visual impairments since 1934.
Audiobooks also cater to individuals with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, who may struggle with reading print books. By providing an audio format, audiobooks enable these individuals to focus on the story, characters, and plot, without the added challenge of decoding written words. Moreover, audiobooks can be a valuable tool for individuals with physical disabilities, who may find it difficult to hold a physical book or turn pages.
In addition, audiobooks have opened doors for people with busy schedules, who can now multitask while enjoying a good book. Whether commuting, exercising, or doing chores, audiobooks provide a convenient way to consume literature, making reading a more enjoyable and accessible experience for all.
The Future of Reading: Audiobooks and Beyond
As technology continues to evolve, the future of reading is likely to be shaped by audiobooks and other digital formats. With the rise of smart speakers, voice assistants, and mobile devices, audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, and their accessibility is expected to improve even further.
One of the most significant advantages of audiobooks is their ability to provide a unique reading experience, which combines the benefits of reading with the convenience of listening. As audiobooks continue to gain popularity, we can expect to see more innovative features, such as personalized narration, interactive storytelling, and immersive audio experiences.
Moreover, the future of reading is likely to be shaped by the intersection of technology and accessibility. With the development of AI-powered reading tools, individuals with disabilities will have even more opportunities to engage with literature, and audiobooks will play a crucial role in this process.
In conclusion, audiobooks have revolutionized the way we consume literature, making reading more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative features and formats emerge, shaping the future of reading and making it more inclusive and accessible for all.
Curious about audiobook publishing trends? Read more about the future of audiobook publishing.
The Verdict: Do Audiobooks Actually Count as Reading?
So, do audiobooks count as reading?
✅ If reading is about comprehension, then yes—audiobooks count.
✅ If reading is about accessing stories and information, then yes—audiobooks count as reading, just as those who read print books do.
✅ If reading is about engagement and enjoyment, then yes—listening to a book is reading.
While audiobooks may not replace reading print books entirely, they offer another way to enjoy reading, especially for those who struggle with traditional books.
Read However You Love
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that people read—no matter the format. Whether you love print books, ebooks, or audiobooks, the way you consume stories shouldn’t matter. Reading is about ideas, experiences, and lifelong learning.
So don’t let anyone tell you that audiobooks don’t count. If you’re listening, learning, and loving the story, you’re reading.
If you’re an author considering self-publishing, why limit yourself to just one format? With Spines, you can publish not only in print and ebook formats but also create a high-quality audiobook.
Searching for a great audiobook? Discover the most searched audiobooks of 2024.
Start Your Publishing Journey FOR FREEFAQs
Q1: Do audiobooks count as reading?
Yes, audiobooks count as reading. Reading is about comprehension, engagement, and experiencing a story. Whether you consume a book through print, digital text, or audio, the core purpose remains the same—understanding and enjoying the content.
Q2: Is there a cognitive difference between reading and listening to a book?
While reading and listening activate similar brain regions for comprehension, reading requires decoding text, whereas listening relies on auditory processing. Studies suggest that comprehension levels are comparable when the listener is fully engaged.
Q3: Are audiobooks a good alternative for people with disabilities?
Absolutely. Audiobooks provide accessibility for people with visual impairments, dyslexia, ADHD, and physical disabilities that make traditional reading difficult. They ensure that literature is available to a broader audience.
Q4: Do audiobooks improve vocabulary and comprehension?
Yes, audiobooks can enhance vocabulary and comprehension, especially when narrated with proper emphasis and intonation. They can also aid auditory learners and those who struggle with reading print.
Q5: Are audiobooks as effective as print books for learning?
Effectiveness depends on engagement. If actively listening, comprehension can be just as strong as reading a physical book. However, passive listening while multitasking may reduce retention.
Q6: Are audiobooks considered “cheating” compared to traditional reading?
No. Storytelling has existed in oral traditions long before print. The format of a book does not determine its legitimacy—what matters is the absorption and understanding of its content.
Q7: What are the advantages of audiobooks over print books?
Convenience: Listen while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
- Accessibility: Ideal for people with visual or learning disabilities.
- Narration: Professional voice actors can enhance the experience.
- Multitasking: Allows consumption of books in situations where reading isn’t possible.
Q8: Should authors publish audiobooks along with print and ebooks?
Yes! Audiobooks expand an author’s reach to a wider audience, including those who prefer listening over reading. Services like Spines make it easy to publish across multiple formats.
