What is a good way to clean ears in an elderly person?

My mother refused to get her ears wet because she was more worried about getting "swimmer's ear". We literally had them cleaned at her doctor's office. Nothing I could do would change her mind. At least that way she didn't run the risk of me puncturing an eardrum. And it did require ear drop antibiotics afterwards. Not much help, but that was my personal experience. Remember, the ears control balance, so if your elder is already a fall risk, clogged ears won't help.