Puppies are prone to getting gunky ears. Most of time it is just a build up of wax and dirt depending on the puppy.
I would get some Oti Rinse and follow the directions for cleaning out the puppies ears. Just to be on the safe side, have your dogs ears looked at next time you're at the Vet's.
Here's a site to purchase the cleaner, or you might find it at your local pet shop.
http://www.kennelvet.com/otirinse-ear-cleaner-drying-solution-8oz-p-29.html
http://www.1800petmeds.com/images/products/420/2715_420.jpg

While sometimes that crud is just dirt, you know if the dogs ears are sore or tender. Red ears and waxy buildup in the ears can be signs of ear yeast infections in dogs. Some dogs have problems with waxy goo in the dogs ears, fluid ear and even sometimes it is hard and dry and you can hear it crackling in the dogs ears. Ear mites leave little debris too, especially in puppies it can be ear mites treatment that is needed. You can get treatment for ear infections in dogs and ear mite treatment through veterinarians but to do it naturally there is a good remedy for dog ear infection symptoms and ear mite treatment, use regularly to control and prevent recurring ear infections in dogs ears. I am using it for my dogs ears and it works great, he always had problems, for years we struggled with chronic ear problems. No more, try what we're using, Dr Dogs Ear Oil treatment, you can get it from Amazon or direct at http://drdogs247.com
By now your pups are a year old, maybe this will help someone else though, give this treatment regularly and you won't have ear mites problems or ear yeast symptoms anymore.