BUFFALO, N.Y. — Removing ear wax may sound humorous, unless you need it done. Then it can be a personal emergency that can hinder hearing and cause pain. The need is more prevalent among older people.

Ear irrigation is an ear cleansing method that people use to remove a buildup of earwax. Some people may refer to it as “ear lavage”. Irrigation may involve using a syringe to insert liquid into the ...