There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive, Sensorineural, and Mixed. Conductive hearing loss is a reduced conduction of sound from the outer ear to the bones of the middle ear. Common causes include outer ear infections, excessive wax buildup and damage from foreign bodies such as cotton swabs. Sensorineural hearing loss is damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the auditory centers. Middle ear infections, a perforated ear drum and Otosclerosis are common causes of sensorineural hearing loss. The best way to diagnose your hearing loss is to work with a hearing care professional.