Definitely not cheating. After a while I’m guessing it can be a little bit like working the wrong muscle, where you might read instead of hearing. But reading is still engagement and very important.

That aside, the ideographic nature of Japanese text makes the sub into pretty nice hints. You won’t always be able to read the word, but maybe you know the word has something to do with the symbols, and you’re hearing it… I think watching with subs is a good approach!