Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Finger Rub Test
🎬
Video coming September 2026
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 the faintest audible finger rub at arm's length (CALFRAST-Faint 70)
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Very helpful
Evidence:Limited
Cannot hear a strong finger rub at arm's length (CALFRAST-Strong 70)
Rule in
—
Rule out
Helpful
Evidence:Limited