Lhasa Apso ear problems

I have a beautiful, 4 year old, lhasa apso named Ben.  We take extremely good care of him.  He goes to the vet regularly, is bathed, teeth brushed, and ears cleaned once a week, goes to the groomers every 6-8 weeks, and gets tons of love.  However, his ears stink very bad!  He has had several ear infections since he was a puppy.  We clean his ears weekly, but he seems to have continual itching.  If you rub at his ears, he tilts his head and sort of moans like it feels good for someone to rub it.  I'm not sure what the problem is.  We clean them with a special natural cleaner, so it isn't like there is a lot of wax buildup.  Could it be yeast in his ear?  If so, what can be used to clear that up?  Is it safe to use something like hydrogen peroxide or would that be no help?  I'm just not sure exactly what to do.  The vet hasn't been able to suggest anything other than giving me antibiotic drops when it seems to bother him the worst, but I hate to use them continually.  Any suggestions that anyone would be able to offer would be so appreciated.  Ben & I thank you in advance!

[Kaylouise25xx]

Hi there,

I too am on a quest tofind something to treat my German Wirehaired Pointers ears, but my doogie has terrible wax build up and small cuts where he has been scratching. I clean his ears everyday and everyday is the same amount of gunk in his ears. he does exactly what Ben does tilts his head and whines poor boy i feel so much for him, my vet doesnt really know what to suggest, ive changed his diet i dont know how many times but still to no avail. Anyway my quest continues, Kay xx

[ginger899]

Could both these cases be caused by ear mites? Has the vet checked this? Ear mites can cause persistent wax build-up, scratching and inflammation

[allaboutmary]

Are the antibiotic's ear drops to treat yeast ?  I've had to give these drops to my dog numerous times for yeast. They do seem to sting and irritate her initially, but in the end clear up the problem.  My Schnauzer was getting yeast infections repeatedly in her ears. I finally found out it was a food allergy. Changed her to a Fish & Potato diet and her ears are so much better.

[teko]

I use a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ears and put a little bit of apple cider vinegar in the drinking water. I also give about a teaspoon of plain yogart daily. No yeast or tearing of the eye.