ince 1986, Mohammad Bashir has been providing an unusual yet essential service on the streets: cleaning people’s ears. This unconventional trade was passed down to him from his father, a veteran of the Pakistan Army who, after migrating from Amritsar in 1947, settled in Kharian before eventually moving to Karachi. Other people in Bashir’s family, including his brother and an elderly uncle, have also embraced this unusual livelihood.

Armed with a modest wooden toolbox adorned with the words “Kaan ki Dhulai” (Ear-Washing) on all sides, Bashir carries his rudimentary equipment. The box, divided into three compartments, houses an assortment of large and small bottles containing herbal medicines, oils and hydrogen peroxide. Tweezers, pincers, a syringe and a stainless steel bowl accompanying these. A small rectangular mirror inside the lid aids Bashir in his meticulous work. His floral-patterned fabric cap conceals long, sharp steel needles, and a wad of cotton, ready for use. The consumables, easily obtainable at local desi grocers, are cost-effective and long-lasting.

Seated on a low wooden stool, Bashir’s clients assume a similar position. With precision, he gently slides a steel needle, covered with cotton wool, into the ear canal, skillfully removing any stray cotton or loose wax. Bashir demonstrates his expertise, emphasising the importance of patience when dealing with dried wax. If necessary, he introduces a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to soften the wax, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.

Following the removal of the sticky glob, Bashir employs a small piece of cotton from his cap’s stash. He applies drops of herbal medicine or oil from his toolbox and places the soaked wad into the ear canal. This meticulous procedure repeats for the other ear, leaving the client with a sense of restored hygiene.

Reflecting on his trade and its future, Bashir expresses doubt about his daughters carrying on the family tradition. With three daughters and no sons, he recognises the challenges of maintaining the trade. Despite his daughters attending a free public school, Bashir struggles to make ends meet. Modern practices, such as the use of ready-made cotton swabs for personal ear cleaning, have reduced his clientele to a range of ten to twenty clients per day. The fee for his service varies from Rs 50 to Rs 100, depending on the time and materials involved. While he acknowledges the changing landscape of ear care, Bashir remains committed to his profession, ensuring that those who seek his expertise depart with cleaner ear canals.

The writer is an author, illustrator and educator. She may be contacted at husain.rumana@gmail.com