Why does it hurt when I clean my ears?

For as long as I can remember cleaning my ears has been a painful experience. Even the slightest swipe with a q-tip hurts and itches. As I make myself continue, I begin coughing for no apparent reason. I can not make myself stop even though there is no cause. I do feel a slight pressure in my throat which could be causing a gag reflex, but the coughing seem to violent for that explaation. Also my eyes water badly. For a long time afterwards my ears burn and itch.

I don’t insert the q-tip too far into the canal. Mostly I just clean the outside, then get as best I can on the inside before (a) it hurts too bad to continue or (b) I am coughing and tearing so forcefully that I can’t control the q-tip.

Has anyone heard of this happening? Has it happened to you? Any information would be welcome. I am becoming increasingly concerned.
Thank you.