boric acid is another otic freindly anti-microbial antibacterial agent. FWIW the main purpose of acohol is not anti-mircrobial or anti-bacterial but as a drying agent to create an environment inhosbitable to nasty yeast and bacteria.
The thing is if you have reaccuring ear infections there may be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed before you can clear up the ears successfully. So outside causes of ear infections include allergies and Sehborrhea both of which basset hounds seem to be prone to.
some links
Efficacy of an Acetic Acid/Boric Acid Ear Cleaning Solution for Treatment and Prophylaxis of Malassezia sp. Otitis Externa
Acetic acid = vinegar
New Treatment of Malassezia Otitis Externa In Dogs
7 Steps to Treating Ears
NEW APPROACH TO PRURITIC OTITIS
Seborrhea
"Some breeds (West Highland white terrier, cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, Basset hound, Shar-pei) are more prone to the greasy form of seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa) with chronic ear infections and greasy skin,"
Atopy
" It is quite common, affecting around 10 per cent of dogs. Animals with this condition become sensitized to substances (allergens) in the environment, that are inhaled or absorbed through the skin (and which cause no problems for non-atopic animals). The resultant allergic reaction is primarily seen as extreme itchiness (pruritis).
The main allergens involved are house dust mites, house dust, human dander, feathers, molds, and pollens from trees, weeds, and grasses. Atopic dogs are also prone to seborrhea, secondary bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) and probably yeast (Malassezia) infections as well"
OTITIS EXTERNA
"Disease of the ear usually stems from over-production of wax as occurs in response to irritation. Allergic skin disease affecting the ears is one possible cause (especially in recurring cases); other causes of ear infections include ear mites, and foreign bodies (such as grass awns or foxtails), or hair growth deep in the canal (common in poodles and schnauzers especially). The moisture of the wax promotes bacterial growth and infection. Soon wax in ears is joined by pus."