I just clean out my kitties ears with a Qtip about once or twice a month, depending how fast the wax builds up. You can't really get to the eardrum in a cat, because it's around a corner, and the cat would never let you get anywhere near it if you tried. If you're afraid to use a Qtip, then swab it out with a dry cotton ball as deep as you can get it in with your fingers. That should take care of most of it.

Earmites typically will present with itching, and head shaking. The stuff that you clean out of the ears will look like wet coffee grounds. Revolution is the easiest thing to treat those with in that case, as it's just a topical you apply once a month for 1-2 months. It's alot easier than putting drops in the ears every day.