Many people use Q-tips or cotton swabs to clean their ears, but ENT surgeons advise against it. In fact, using Q-tips to clean your ears can be harmful and may lead to more harm than good. Here are some reasons why you should not use Q-tips:

1. Earwax is a protective substance: Earwax, or cerumen, is produced by the ear canal to protect the eardrum from dirt, dust, and other foreign particles. Earwax also helps to prevent infection and lubricates the ear canal. Cleaning your ears with Q-tips can push the wax deeper into your ear, leading to impacted earwax, which can cause discomfort and even hearing loss.
2. Can cause injury: The ear canal is very delicate, and inserting Q-tips can cause injury, leading to pain and infection. Using Q-tips can scratch the skin in the ear canal, leading to inflammation and even bleeding. The risk of injury increases if you push the Q-tip too far into the ear canal.
3. Can lead to an ear infection: The ear canal is a delicate and sensitive area that should not be cleaned too aggressively. Using Q-tips can push bacteria and dirt deeper into the ear canal, leading to infection. This is especially true if you have small cuts or scratches in your ear canal.
4. Other methods are safer: There are safer methods of cleaning your ears, such as using a warm washcloth to wipe the outside of your ear. If you feel that you have an excessive amount of earwax, you can visit a ENT specialist to have it safely removed.

In conclusion, using Q-tips to clean your ears can be harmful and is not recommended by medical professionals. Remember that earwax is a protective substance that should not be removed aggressively. If you have concerns about the amount of earwax in your ears, consult a otolaryngologist.