Final answer:
Rubella, or German measles, can cause sensorineural hearing loss, especially as a part of congenital rubella syndrome in infants when infected during pregnancy. Therefore, the correct option is B. perforated tympanic membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to internal issues within the ear itself, such as damage to the hair cells in the organ of Corti, an abnormal auditory nerve, fractures in the cochlea, or nerve damage. Options A, B, and D are typically associated with conductive hearing loss, which involves problems with transmitting sound waves to the cochlea, not nerve-related issues. Therefore, the correct answer is B. perforated tympanic membrane.
This is because a perforated tympanic membrane, which is the eardrum, can lead to damage to the auditory nerve, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. The other options (occluded external auditory meatus due to cerumen, closed eustachian tube, and fracture of the cochlea) can cause conductive hearing loss by preventing or hindering the transmission of sound waves to the cochlea, but they do not directly cause damage to the hair cells or the auditory nerve.