Final answer:
The vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for assessing hearing in a patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cranial nerve responsible for assessing hearing in a patient is the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is also known as cranial nerve VIII. This nerve is involved in transmitting sound and maintaining balance and equilibrium. Rubbing your fingers next to each ear would assess the patient's ability to hear and would involve the vestibulocochlear nerve.