Which factor is NOT commonly a cause of auditory nerve disorders?

Genetics is not typically regarded as a direct cause of auditory nerve disorders. While genetic factors can influence the overall risk of developing hearing loss or associated conditions, auditory nerve disorders are more often linked to specific, acute conditions or external factors that directly impact the auditory nerve itself.

Meningitis, for example, is an infectious disease that can lead to inflammation and damage in the auditory pathways, potentially affecting the auditory nerve. High blood pressure can contribute to vascular issues that may impair auditory function over time. Tumors, especially those associated with the auditory nerve, such as vestibular schwannomas, can directly compress or damage the nerve, leading to auditory disorders.

On the other hand, while genetics may predispose individuals to certain types of hearing loss or abnormalities, it is not categorized as a direct, immediate cause of auditory nerve disorders in the same way that the other factors listed can be. Thus, the focus on acute conditions or localized issues in the context of auditory nerve disorders clarifies why genetics stands apart as the less common direct cause.