Audiobooks are very new for me. I completely get what you mean about preferring to read rather than listen. I need/want something to listen to when I crochet, I don't like tv, so books won.
I havnt noticed a difference in how I absorb the books at all. Apparently it doesnt matter if Im reading with my eyes or ears I still see the pictures in my head. Bonus I'm doing 2 things at once - and audiobooks help me focus on my crochet. Sounds counterintuitive but it's true :)