Cotton tipped swabs should never be inserted into the ears because doing so can push wax further into the ear canal or cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. The ear is a delicate structure, and any foreign object inserted deeply can lead to complications such as blockage, infection, or even perforation of the eardrum.
Using swabs for cleaning (often misinterpreted as a valid practice) can create more harm than good if the swab is pushed too far. It's essential to practice safe ear care, which recommends keeping the outer ear clean without attempting to clean the inside of the ear canal, as it is self-cleaning.
Though cotton tipped swabs can be useful for applying medication or other purposes outside of the ear canal, their primary guideline in ear care is to avoid insertion to maintain ear health and prevent potential damage. Thus, the recommendation is clear: never insert cotton tipped swabs into the ears.