Sorry guys - I'm gonna have to disagree (in my case) with the general (and doctor's) recommendation against Q-tips. I realize the dangers, but for me the gains are too great.
My ears generate a substancial amount of wax. I can get a decent amount out everyday if I clean them (with Q-tips). If I wait a week or two, it will be a huge amount. More than a month, and I risk blockage on their own. At this point almost any cleaning method risks blocking my ears completely. This includes q-tips, syringes, ear drops, kleenex + finger, yeah everything. I've blocked them a few times already, and it's not a fun process. Either takes a very long process with wacky liquids or a doctor's help to unblock them, generally doesn't happen the first day. This is painful, and obviously partially deafening (temporarily of course). This is an experience I want to avoid.
Q-tip cleanings (by yourself in the middle of a room so nothing could possibly bump your arm), I believe to be perfectly safe. Especially when I've done it enough to know the insides of my ear pretty well. I could probably keep the wax buildup down by using a commercial product (drops & syringe style) everyday, but this is far more time consuming, money consuming, and a real pain in the rear. Also, seeing my doctor every few months, (or weeks) wouldn't exactly be a cost-effective solution.
Sure Q-tips have their dangers, in the hands of the inexperienced and if you would happen to get bumped (hard). But honestly, I cut things all the time. In the kitchen. If I got bumped while plealing some fruit, I could do some serious damage to my hands with the kinfe. Does this stop me from using the knife instead of pealing and breaking up fruit by hand? uh, no. Does the fact that some people have ruined their life by spilling boiling-hot coffee on them stop me from ordering it? no. Life is dangerous, a gamble everyday (which can be greatly reduced with a bit of common sense... think: darwin awards). Personally I don't consider Q-tips high on my threat-o-meter.
-dd3mon
