A local audiologist is a health provider who is trained in diagnosing and treating hearing problems as well as issues with balance and other neural systems. They perform hearing tests and fit hearing aids and protective hearing devices. A local audiologist may work in a private practice, hospital or school. A local audiologist treats a variety of hearing problems, including genetic hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, cholesteatoma, vertigo and tinnitus. If your local family physician feels like you need a hearing assessment, they may refer you to a local audiologist.