you most likely have chronic "swimmer's ear" (otitis externa) because you use q-tips. wax is not dirt. it is a beneficial protective coating for the ear canal. when you have a wax coating (like your car) water will "bead up" and easily fall out. when you take out all of the wax water stays in the ear and breaks down the skin. leading to a skin infection in your ear canal. other causes include eczema in the ear canal and even a fungal/yeast infection. this may be the "flakes" you are seeing. your first step is to be properly diagnosed. see a dermatologist ent or even your primary care provider. you then will need to be properly treated depending on the specific cause. while you are waiting for that appointment throw those q-tips in the trash and never use them again.
why do i have chronic "swimmer's ear" without going swimming? . this has persisted for months now and in addition to an excess buildup of ear wax in both ears i also have water in my ear nearly every other day and i haven't been swimming in a long time. i also have a buildup of "flakes" in one ear which i think are skin flakes. i use q-tips frequently and occasionally my ear itches so i use my finger to scratch just inside the ear canal but there is no pain in either ear.