What are the treatment procedures for a longstanding ear infection?

Hello doctor,

I have had an ear problem since when I was a kid. My mother and I went to the doctor to get consulted. They just prescribed medicine to heal my infection. But it never did heal. I was too shy to tell my parents before, and they never asked me if I was fine. I did not know why I never minded about it. But now, I feel very uncomfortable. It feels like I have a ruptured eardrum because I feel air moving in and out. Sometimes it gets itchy, and I also have tinnitus. I do not enjoy swimming much because most of the times, water gets inside and something yellowish come out. But I do not feel any pain. Is it a serious disease? Do I need to get surgery? Kindly advise.