Years ago I had water in my ears. I put peroxide in my ears and let it soak and then used a plunger to push in warm water. A huge piece of wax came out and the water was instantly gone. Then it felt weird because the ear with the water had better hearing so I did it with the other ear and another huge piece of wax came out. I really think that cleaning the ears every so often (other than using Q-tips) really helps reduce swimmers ear.
For most of us earwax is a nonissue as it just falls out as a natural function of the ear. For a few others, either the consistency of the wax or the structure of the canal causes the wax to build up in the ear. Q-tips or similar devices are a big no no. Wax forms near the opening of the ear. So besides possibly damaging the ear, putting anything smaller than your elbow in the ear often just packs the wax deeper into the ear canal creating a plug and making it even harder to remove.
For individuals that tend to wax build up, a few drops of olive oil (sweet oil), baby oil or glycerin each week or two can help keep the wax soft and encourage elimination. If the wax is still a problem, occasionally use of another cerumenolytic may be helpful. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (debrox) can work but perhaps the most effective is docusate sodium. Yes that's right, a stool softener! You can get it OTC in a soft gel capsule. Carefully puncture with a clean needle and squeeze the liquid into the canal. It is also available as a liquid OTC for children but has added ingredients to make it palatable for children.
For that truly impacted ear, Elephant Ear ear wash is great if used carefully and only when there is an actually problem with wax accumulation. It is not for routine wax prevention. I am not necessarily endorsing home use but it is available on Amazon.
Do not use ear candles. They are not effective and pose an obvious injury risk.
And remember, for most of us, earwax is our friend. It helps protect the skin of the ear canal.
Hope this helps,
Lisa