Doctor Mike says not to do it, but I have been for years. This started when I got a wax ball that impacted against my eardrum and made me functionally deaf on one side until I could get into an urgent doctor's appointment. The very next day, the same thing happened on the other side. I knew what was up for the second time and was able to get something from the pharmacy to handle it myself.
As best I can tell, there are two dangers:
- Mechanical damage, perhaps caused by accidental means
- Leaving bits of cotton behind that can then become infected
For me, I am fine taking this risk and plan to continue doing so daily.