I have irrational obsession with cleaning my ears with q-tips, & sometimes ear drops & other things. i know it's wrong. can it cause permanent damage?

Cleaning your ears: the way you describe can be dangerous. Please check w/your doc to make sure ears are ok and then consider seeing a mental health professional. He/she can help you form a plan of action that you can use. Focused compulsive behaviors like this are easily treated. The behavior may be a futile way to keep control over a very un-controllable world. Peace and good health.