Well, I agree that Q-Tips have the potential to do more harm then good, but this probably the extreme 1% of cases. I think the key takeaway is never try to reac

Well, I agree that Q-Tips have the potential to do more harm then good, but this probably the extreme 1% of cases. I think the key takeaway is never try to reach back to your ear drum, and don't make it a daily habit. I occasionally use q-tips to clean my ears 6 to 8 times a year and have never had any issue with wax or infections. The real ear "killer" out there is loud noise and daily abuse. You're more likely to damage your ears listening to earbuds 8 hours, Mon to Fri or going to a monthly concert/club with 100+dB for 4 to 6 hours with no ear protection. Talk to an ENT about serious issue like tinnitus and they'll tell you with a straight face that a) they don't really know what causes it and b) the prescribed treatment is "just try to ignore it". It doesn't produce a lot of faith that the science is really there. For me this article is closer to fad nutrition advice that consistently contradicts the previous reports.