Some breeds of dogs, including ours, have a tendency to build up some black material in their ears. It needs to be cleaned every once in a while, and if you can get your dog to relax, they don’t mind it much, and seem to be a lot happier afterwards. There is a solution you can get that helps with the cleaning.
I have taken a warm damp tissue to clean the outer ear. She doesn’t mind it at all. We will take her to the vet anyway. Bet he’ll say much the same as you recommended. Probably some anti-fungal drops.
http://www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_productlist_Nav_614_N_22+4294956713.aspx
Has a big list of them. I use Hartz Advanced Care Ear Cleaner after every bath, and when Rock gets his ears wet from trips out in the rain. It’s like he gets swimmer’s ear if I don’t.
Use a couple of times a week keeps his ears clear until it is time for his yearly check up/shots.