You have some good suggestions here. I have 4 basset hounds-talk about ear flaps... Anyway, having the vet do a culture is a good idea as well as changing food and treats to grain free or at least a food that is wheat, corn and soy free. I use an ear wash called the "Blue Ear Cleaner" made up of 3 ingredients that works wonders. Let me know if you'd like the recipe. The ear cleaner worked wonders on my old boy Moosie Bear a rescue that came with horrible ear infections.