The auditory nerve (also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve or cranial nerve VIII) is the primary nerve located near the ear.
The auditory nerve is responsible for transmitting sound and balance (equilibrium) information from the inner ear to the brain. It's composed of two branches:
- Cochlear nerve: Carries auditory information.
- Vestibular nerve: Carries balance information.
Damage to the auditory nerve can result in hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and/or balance problems.
