When I called for an appointment with the ENT, they told me the the doctors were booked for the next two months but if I was willing to see the PA instead, I could get in next week.  Since I wasn’t looking at any major medical problems, I agreed to see the PA.

When I arrived at my appointed time, the hearing technician gave me a hearing test.  At the conclusion, she said that my hearing was marginal and that hearing aids could help.  Since I was tired of unknowingly volunteering for things, I agreed.  And since we were both in agreement that I needed hearing aids, I fully expected to see a host of hearing aid products.  But no, I needed to be referred back to my GP for his concurrence.