Using objects like hairpins or keys to remove earwax or scratch an itch can be harmful, causing damage to the inner ear, infections, hearing loss, or a ruptured eardrum. Clean outer ear with a soft cloth and let body's natural processes handle inner cleaning.
Cotton swabs, while seemingly efficient for ear cleaning, can do harm by pushing earwax further, perhaps causing wax buildup, blockages, temporary hearing loss, discomfort or eardrum damage. Let your body's natural process handle earwax removal.