Ear tube surgery typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin over the ear canal and then inserts a tool called a trocar-this looks like a large needle with a curved point-into the opening of the ear canal. The surgeon uses this tool to make small cuts in the cartilage of the ear canal so that he can insert his fingers into the ear to remove excess bone, muscle, or tissue that might be blocking hearing. He then closes the wound in your skin with sutures. The entire procedure takes about an hour end to end. A patient may be able to walk out of the hospital after ear tube surgery but will need to use crutches or a cane for several days until the pain subsides. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the job they do. In general, the longer the ear canal blockage has been present, the more painful and difficult it will be to remove it. Patients should discuss potential risks with their doctor before having any form of ear surgery. Ear tubes usually stay in place from one to four years. At that time, they are removed under local anesthesia.