Why Listen While You Read?

Research suggests that combining audiobooks with written text can enhance learning. Peer-reviewed studies have found benefits for reading comprehension, reading fluency, and vocabulary development, particularly among younger readers and students learning English.

In a 2015 study published in System, secondary-school students who read while listening to audio recordings showed substantially greater improvements in reading speed and comprehension than students who read silently. These improvements were maintained three months later.

Source: Chang & Millett (2015), Improving Reading Rates and Comprehension Through Audio-Assisted Extensive Reading for Beginner Learners. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2015.05.003

(Coach Crismon notes that this study used EFL students who may particularly benefit from audiobooks. AcDec/Pen students do benefit from hearing the proper pronunciation of words. You'll become word-wise by hearing and reading!)