If I am asked which one do I prefer between reading a book or listening to the content as audio, I would choose to read the book rather than listen to it as audio. However, if there were an option to watch the content as a movie, then I would choose the movie over reading. But between reading and listening to audio, I definitely prefer reading.
One of the reasons for this preference is that I love learning the use of the English language and understanding the meanings of difficult or unfamiliar words. When I am reading, I do not just read to grasp the message of the content, I also derive joy from seeing how certain words are used and how well they are placed within sentences. I enjoy observing how the smooth usage of words blends smoothly to convey meaning. English is the official language of my country, but it is not the language most of us were brought up speaking, including myself. I was raised with my local dialect, and we were forcefully made to speak English even though it can be difficult to comprehend in certain situations. This is why one of the major joys I get from reading is seeing how words are properly used and how well they are positioned within sentences.
If I were to listen to content instead, I would only focus on the message being passed across. I would most likely listen very quickly without bothering to pause and check why a particular word was used in a specific place or what made the speaker choose that word.
The type of books I love to read are fictional books, and I mostly read them as ebooks found online. I enjoy story based books, especially those with a romantic or spooky feel. Whenever I am reading such books, my imagination travels far, and I picture the scenes clearly, almost as if I am watching a movie rather than just reading mere words. The audio format cannot give me this special kind of imagination or experience.
You just spoke my mind. Reading on my own and to myself goes a long way in improving my knowledge in English language both in the aspect of understanding the meaning of words, correct placement of words and right scenarios to put them to use too.
It's definitely reading over audio books for me though I haven't really thought of which I like more between watching as a movie and reading.