A hearing loss is diagnosed based on the person’s history, behavior, and the results of medical and audiological examinations. Hearing loss can be categorized into three main types: conductive, sensorineural, or mixed (a combination of the other two). In conductive hearing loss, sound waves are not able to reach the inner ear hearing structures at normal levels. In sensorineural hearing loss, the sound conduction mechanism can be normal, but the inner ear hearing organ or hearing nerve is not functioning properly. These different types of hearing loss can be due to problems with the external, middle and inner ears, as well as the brain.