What cranial nerve is tested through the hearing and balance exam?

The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as cranial nerve VIII, is responsible for transmitting sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. This nerve has two key components: the cochlear part, which is involved in hearing, and the vestibular part, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

During a hearing and balance exam, clinicians assess both the auditory function and the vestibular function linked to this cranial nerve. Tests such as the Rinne and Weber tests evaluate hearing capabilities, while balance assessments might include observing the patient's ability to maintain equilibrium or their response to specific positional changes. Thus, the function and assessment of the vestibulocochlear nerve are directly related to the tests of hearing and balance, making it the correct answer in this context.