Is it permissible to re-wet the hands with water to wipe the ears during ablution if they have dried after wiping the head, or to wipe them with water before commencing ablution to ensure they are wet at the time of wiping?

Wiping the ears is among the Sunnah acts of ablution, not an obligation. The majority of scholars recommend using fresh water to wipe them. Therefore, if the hand dries before wiping the ears, new water must be taken for them; otherwise, the wiping is insufficient. Wiping the ears before ablution is not legislated, and if one were to do so, it would not be sufficient. If someone intentionally omits wiping the ears, their ablution and prayer are still valid.