Is it really bad to use cotton swabs to clean your nose and ears?

Yes for ears: You should avoid using them in your ears because if you go in to far you can perforate your ear drum. You may also make the wax more impacted.

Nope-be careful: Not at all as long as you use care. Why are you using these anyway. Get you an ear and a nose wash from the drug store. Let them drain and drip dry. Use a hairdryer to dry the ears. Cleaning the ears daily can dry them and cause itchy ears. Poking things in your nose can cause bleeding and that can be a headache.