Many years ago, I had an ear infection/build up of ear wax and regardless of the medical stuff the ear specialist did on my ear, he still insisted that I still NOT use swabs. Ever. He never recommended it nor anyone who specializes in his field.
Those folks recomend that you never stick anything in your ear except your elbow
Why wouldn’t he recommend anyone who specializes in his field?
Remember that he is of the same tribe as the ER folks who recommend never letting your children ride a bicycle.
If you are worried about shoving a Q-tip through your ear drum, use hydrogen peroxide or a nose syringe filled with warm water.
Have you ever seen the tool drs. use to remove ear wax? It’s a metal loop, similar to half a paper clip, the ototek loop. Did I mention that paper clips have other uses besides holding papers together?