Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Finger Rub Test

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How to Perform

Ask the patient to close their eyes. Test each ear separately while gently occluding the opposite ear. Hold your hand about 6 inches (15 cm) from the tested ear and briskly rub your thumb across your fingertips. Ask the patient to indicate when the sound is heard. Repeat on the opposite side and compare for reduced or asymmetric hearing.

How to Interpret

Showing all 2 findings

Hearing Impairment

Cannot hear a strong finger rub at arm's length (CALFRAST-Strong 70)
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Moderate
Cannot hear the faintest audible finger rub at arm's length (CALFRAST-Faint 70)
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Very helpful
Evidence:Moderate

References

  • Torres-Russotto D, Landau WM, Harding GW, Bohne BA, Sun K, Sinatra PM. Calibrated finger rub auditory screening test (CALFRAST). Neurology. 2009;72(18):1595-1600. PMID 19414727; DOI 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181a41280. (Erratum: Neurology 2010;74(5):440.)

Research last updated September 9, 2026.