I know that’s not what this comment section is meant for, but here we go:

I was kinda addicted (wrong word; but I don’t know a better one) to q-tips to the point I had (and still have) occasionally infections in my ears.

Many doctors just gave me antibiotic eardrops, which didn’t help for longer than a few weeks, and only reactively

Finally one doctor gave me an ear-spray; based on vinegar, alcohol and eucalyptus (iirc) that I now use after every shower/bath and it worked wonders as I somehow almost never felt the need to use a q-tip again.

So if you do way too much q-tips, maybe ask your doctor if he kan recommend one to you.

Do not insert directly into the ear