In some cases there are no obvious symptoms at all but here are some symptoms to look for:
- Head shaking
- Head tilt
- Scratching the ear with paws or on other surfaces
- Painful ears when touched
- Redness or swelling of the ear
- Hot or unusually warm ear
- Discharge from the ear
- An odor from the ear
- Darker fur on rear paw from scratching infected ear
Other problems can be deeper down into the ear canals and would require a thorough exam by your veterinarian. If left untreated, these problems can cause chronic pain and infection leading to more obvious symptoms.