Siberian Husky ear issue

Question
We recently had a big flea problem in our yard, and it was difficult to eradicate them from both the yard and our husky.  She scratched her hair off in many spots and it was suggested that we get her trimmed very short so that the wounds could heal properly and stay clean.  I see that may have not been the best idea now reading some of your advice to other husky owners, but I do hope and pray she grows back over time.  (Although it's kind of nice that she isn't shedding all that hair all over my house too.)  My concern is that she seems to have a little sore on her ear that didn't heal up as quickly.  A friend of my husband's keeps messing with it every time he comes over, to the point it makes her yelp.  She does not do this when I or my husband inspect or massage it.  The friend is telling us that she has an ear infection.  My husband is telling me that it is very important not to knead a husky's ears like that or they can be "broken" and permanently flopped by rough tugging or kneading.  It becomes a heated argument every time this friend is at our home.  Can you put my mind at ease on either of these potential issues?  I'd love to put this argument to bed as soon as possible.  I think if the dog had an ear infection, she would cry when we touched it also and it would smell bad.

Answer
Well, it looks like there are two questions here:

1) Can an ear be damaged by rough tugging or kneading?
   Yes - but gentle (even firm) massage and handling of the ears is very relaxing for many dogs.  Generally, unless the dog is expressing discomfort, you aren't doing any damage.  If the dog is yelping or trying to get away, it may be too rough and therefore becoming dangerous.  However, as a whole, I haven't seen any inadvertent damage done to a Sibe's ears.  Not saying it couldn't happen, but I think it would have to be hard enough that the dog would protest.

2) Symptoms of an ear infection:
   Generally, tenderness and smell are common indicators for an ear infection.  However, redness, dryness, and consistent scratching are also possible symptoms.  If the ear is not healing well, I would recommend a quick vet visit so the vet can check it out, and if the ear itself is fine, maybe some antibiotic ointment might be in order.

Let me know if you have other concerns or if I missed anything there and I hope that helps!