Overview. The auditory nerve is responsible for transmitting sounds from the sensory portions of the ear to the brain. Damage to the auditory nerve can lead to a form of deafness called sensorineural hearing loss.Because this form of hearing loss is caused by nerve damage, it can be especially difficult to treat.verview. The auditory nerve is responsible for transmitting sounds from the sensory portions of the ear to the brain. Damage to the auditory nerve can lead to a form of deafness called sensorineural hearing loss.