Test: Cranial Nerve VIII exam

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

The hearing aspect of cranial nerve VIII is assessed using the finger rub test, weber test and rinne test. Finger rub test is performed by having the patient close their eyes. Using the same hand rub the fingers next to the patients ear, asking if they can hear it, then slowy move rubbing fingers away from the ear. Normal is able to hear arms distance from the ear. Weber test is performed by vibrating a 512Hz or 256Hz tuning fork on the middle of the top of the head. Ask if they can hear them equally in both ears. Conduction problem localizes to BAD ear. Nerve problem localizes in the GOOD ear. Rinne test is performed by sounding the tuning fork and placing the end on the mastoid and begin counting. When patient cannot hear the fork, move fork to in front of the patient's ear and continue counting. Normal is 1:2 ratio. Conduction problem is less than 2:1. Nerve problem is less than 20 seconds on the mastoid.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Vestibulocochlear nerve

Criteria

• Finger rub test is arm distance away from ear
• Weber test sound localizes equally in both ears
• Rinne test sound is 20 seconds on mastoid and 20 seconds over ear

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail