My ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor) used to clean my
ears by running a very thin, but I think
pressurized stream of
water in, and
bouncing it off of the back (ear drum?) where it created
suction on the way back out. It was
uncomfortable, sometimes a little painful, but certainly
tolerable. Much better than having the ear scraped with a metal instrument.
These ear-cleanings were complimentary whenever I went in for a sinus infection. I had a little build-up, but not excessive. I clean my ears by tilting my head when I'm in the shower, running in very warm water, letting it sit there for a minute, then tilting my head the other way.