What I look for in case of ear problems are:
scratching even without an odor. Shaking the head. Head tilt, Repeatedly ducking or bobbing the head while swallowing this can indicate either a foxtail in the ear, tonsil or throat...thank dog my babies have never run into problems with foxtails.
If the ears are sensitive to touch. Redness - that can be a sign of allergies..the ear canal is skin and can be the first place to notice allergies. Most of these signs of ear problems do not come with an odor. It's always a good idea to have a Vet look deep into the ear canal just to make sure there is nothing lodged down there. Look deep into the ear canal yourself to see if there is anything visable to your eye...I would really suspect something lodged if the dog is carrying one ear lower than the other.
And of course the other normal signs of ear infections like offensive odor or discharge. Bloody discharge, Heavy accumulation of wax, Crusts or scabs.
Many ear problems are allergy related, so if the scratching continues...check your dog for fleas...and look at the food you are feeding. Some common offenders for allergy related ear problems are soy, dairy (not yogurt), wheat, beef and fish. Try a different protein source such as rabbit or venison. Also give fish oil supplements for omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help.