Had earwax for many years after a stint in the pit screens-where they riddle the coal to sort it- VERY noisy and no protection supplied.

Thereafter needed the olive oil to soften and syringing by the nurse to remove. Wax is often the ear's way of protecting itself.

Nowadays I make a point of getting water in my ears when showering and removing it with a cotton-bud/Q-Tip. Haven't had a wax buildup for 30 years, and haven't hurt my ears either. I rotate the bud, not poke it.

My wife is convinced that wax is connected with sinus problems, and both are connected with migrane.