What is the difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is due to damage in the inner ear: in sensory hair cells of the cochlea, or vestibulocochlear nerve. It is usually permanent. It can be genetic, congenital or acquired (infection, trauma, noise, etc.)

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is due to a mechanical problems in middle ear, tympanic membrane damage, an outer ear obstruction, or defects in the outer ears wall. It is usually reversible.  

When performing a Weber test with a tuning fork, the sound localizes to normal ear in SNHL and to the affected ear in CHL.  

Rinne test (which evaluates air and bone conduction) is positive in SNHL and negative in CHL.

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