Abstract: A method of removing cerumen includes providing an applicator swab comprising an applicator stick having a swab tip mounted on a first end of the applicator stick, the swab tip including a medical grade pressure sensitive adhesive absorbed onto a top surface of said swab tip in a surface area of at least 25 square millimeters, the adhesive having a tack force sufficient to attach to and dislodge a large piece of cerumen from a person's external ear canal and hold it for at least three seconds. An end of the applicator swab is inserted into the external ear canal so that the top layer of the applicator tip contacts the cerumen. The applicator swab is then removed with the attached cerumen and the process is repeated as necessary after wiping off the cerumen.