Look into creature's ear, checking contents (8)

I believe the answer is:

research

'look into' is the definition.
(researching is a kind of looking into)

'creature's ear checking contents' is the wordplay.
'contents' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (I've seen 'contents of' mean this).
'RESEARCH' can be found hidden inside 'creatures ear checking'.

(Other definitions for research that I've seen before include "Examination" , "Scientific investigation" , "What may make you a doctor" , "enquiry" , "Fact-finding" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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