Can you listen to audio books and read at the same time?

[Margarita888]

I'd like to absorb as much material as I can in the least amount of time. So I'm wondering if it's possible to listen to audio books and read something else at the same time (i.e. a different book, emails, reports, etc). Would you absorb all the information just as well as if you did them separately?

[SatvikBeri]

Originally Posted by Margarita888

I'd like to absorb as much material as I can in the least amount of time. So I'm wondering if it's possible to listen to audio books and read something else at the same time (i.e. a different book, emails, reports, etc). Would you absorb all the information just as well as if you did them separately?

I don't have the skill to do that. I've tried. I don't know anyone who can absorb information from multiple sources at once really well.

[Clint Cora]

I would find it hard. Where I find audio most useful is when I'm driving long commutes or in trains or airplanes. Audio helps me make constructive use of that travel time. But reading something else at the same time just would not allow me to absorb everything well, unless it's the text version of the audio.

[Rhamala]

I've actually tried to do this on numerous occasions and I've either failed or reduced my speed and comprehension level to a point where it isn't worth it.

Since I'm a visual reader, I usually read between 700 and 1000 words a minute depending on the material. I usually go down to 200 a minute to keep the same level of comprehension if I'm having a conversation at the same time or listening to an audiobook.

I'd assume that becoming a visual reader is pretty much needed to be able to do that.

[Swifthawk]

I find that usually the times I best absorb information is when I'm an actor in the book I'm reading, meaning I'm taking an active part. I'm thinking about what's happening, trying to see what comes next, trying to argue for/against certain points the author has. It seems that trying to listen to something completely different would only hinder becoming completely engaged in the text and vice versa.

Plus, it can be extremely relaxing to just sit and read with little outside noise going on. It really helps you think about what you are reading.

[taylor]

Only if listening to the audio at normal speed. I listen at 1.5 or 2x if it's really fluff.

[Brutha]

I'd like to absorb as much material as I can in the least amount of time.

"Absorbing material" is a bad goal. Information is no value in itself.

That said it's a bad idea to multitask with two intellectual activities at the same time.

Audiobook + practicing Salsa turns -> okay
Reading a book + walking on a treadmill -> okay
Drawing + listening to a lecture -> okay

Doing salsa turns + drawing -> Won't work
Reading + Listening to audio book -> Won't work

Since I'm a visual reader, I usually read between 700 and 1000 words a minute depending on the material.

Could you elaborate on what you mean with the term visual reader? Did you use some training program?

[Rhamala]

Could you elaborate on what you mean with the term visual reader? Did you use some training program?

Actually I took a reading and comprehension test on a website (it's in french though since it's my first language). Basically readers are classified in 4 categories.

1 - People who read around 110 wpm are "slow" readers, which mean they either don't master the language they're reading or having other difficulties.

2 - People who read around 240 wpm are "vocal" readers, which means they are sub-vocalizing everything they read. You'll often notice that these readers have very small but sometimes noticeable mouth/throat movements when reading.

3 - People who read around 400 wpm are "auditive" readers, which means they are "hearing" what they are reading. They are restricted by the speed at which they can actually intellectualize via hearing.

4 - Finally, people who read about 1000 wpm are classified as "visual" readers. They are unrestricted by other senses such as hearing and speaking. Not only are theses types of readers faster, but they also have a better comprehension.

The site I took the test on offers a software designed to improve reading skills. I already was a visual reader though so it wouldn't be that useful for me I guess.

I think this classification is pretty accurate. As for my comprehension of small details or nuances etc.. It is very good. I definitely don't feel like my reading quality is worsened by the fact that I read fast. Based on comparison with other college students, I usually have a much better comprehension of texts and I tend to remember details quite well. I'll often remember whole paragraphs by heart without intention ; it sorta feels like they're "photographed" into my mind. (I'll know where they are situated in the page etc.)

Hope that enlightens a few of you.

[Angelique]

I think you could if you ante'd up on your skill to do so. You'd probably have to start with some easy reading, so I doubt that it would actually save you time in the short run.

I know it's possible to listen to two different conversations at once. I've done it before but I'm not that good at it. I've witnessed other people doing it, too (from what I can tell). Maybe reading and listening isn't too much of a stretch.

[Neobian]

I have tried listen to 2 audiobooks simultaneously and it was overhelming but i have practised enough to develop keen sense to comprehend different subjects parallely after a while. I started with listening to two familiar topics at 1/2x speed and gradually moved to 1x speed on two unfamiliar subjects.But i rarely do it because some books deserve our respect and attention to fully "experience" the narration and storyline to visualize the settings.

This skill helped me immensely during my exam days. I used to take notes on paper but moved to audio recordings. I record chapter-wise notes and superimpose them all for a concise 10 min per subject. I hear this repeately before exam and it helps me recollect my entire subject book in 30 min (3 times).

[VinceG]

Sounds to me like listening in to two conversations at the same time. You're inevitably going to miss stuff, though I suppose training could help out a lot.