There is too much variance from reader to reader, narrator to narrator, and one type of material to another for surface-level studies to be helpful here. Peopl

There is too much variance from reader to reader, narrator to narrator, and one type of material to another for surface-level studies to be helpful here. People read and comprehend differently. For example, when reading it is very easy to skim, even when you don't intend to. In other words, reading too fast, such that you speed through parts you consider boring to get to parts you find more interesting. With an audio book, you cannot do this. Also, distraction is not necessarily more of a problem in audio books than with printed material. Some people, myself included, can actually continue to read while their thoughts are in some other place. I often find myself reading one thing, while thinking of something else entirely, and having to go back and re-read what I just read. This is the mental equivalent of hitting the "30 second back" button on an audio book. In general, I find myself absorbing audio books better than printed books, particularly when it comes to fiction. It forces me to take the book at an even pace, and thus I often come away with more detail and remember it better. But the subject matter also makes a difference. I prefer audio books hands down for fiction, unless the narrator is Ben-Stein-boring or difficult to listen to. For non-fiction, audio books may or may not have the edge. For a non-technical subject such as history, audio books have the edge. For all math, unfamiliar science, or anything that requires a slower, more detailed examination of a subject, printed books win every time.