I think all of us hate shots for our babies
Jada and Bogie both had infections in their ears last year. My vet recommended a ear cleaner with a drying agent. I used it all last year after baths and when they went in for their yearly checkup, vet said he had never seen such pristine ears.
I would put a call in to my vet and ask his recommendation about ear drops. They really helped my two. I think the brand I use is Epi-Otic.