Turns out you're not supposed to use Q-tips that way

Doctors are once again letting us all know that you should not use Q-tips in your ears. They can cause damage to your eardrums and clog the ear canal. Unfortunately, this probably won't stop everyone from using them.

[ballra]

Even as a doctor, I still employ this method of cleaning my ears, as it proves to be the most effective in removing ear wax.