Which of the following is identified as a common disease-related cause of deafness?

Encephalitis is identified as a common disease-related cause of deafness due to its potential to damage auditory pathways and structures in the brain. This inflammation of the brain can interfere with the normal function of the auditory system, potentially leading to hearing loss. Encephalitis can result from infections caused by various viruses, and the associated complications may involve the auditory nerves or areas of the brain responsible for processing sound.

While aging, genetic mutations, and exposure to loud noise can also result in hearing loss, they are categorized differently. Aging is often considered an age-related degeneration rather than a disease; genetic mutations represent a hereditary or congenital aspect of hearing loss; and exposure to loud noise pertains to an environmental factor. Encephalitis distinctly represents a disease process that can directly lead to auditory impairment, linking it more closely to the notion of disease-related causes.