I didn't think anyone else cleaned their ears with q-tips! It's a habit passed on from my dad. Probably got the waxy ears from him too! Anyhow, I actually only use q-tips after I wash my hair, not so much otherwise. And I think once I stuck it in too deep and may have damaged my hearing as a result... boo hoo :( So just be careful, always stay around the edge of your ears and try not to stick it in too deep and you should be fine!

I don't use q-tips to clean the inside of my ears. I'll use them to clean the outter parts of my ears but not inside the actual ear canal, and I don't even do it that often.

I'll use a washcloth when I'm in the shower, because you are right about damaging your ears from sticking the q-tips in there.