Chronic Ear Infections

Over the past 10 years I've had problems with ear infections.  I get them about 2-3 times a year.  I've also have very itchy ears and often a problem with excessive ear wax.  I used to get my ears flushed 1-2 times a year when the wax completely blocked up my ear, but now I try to add drops of baby oil to my ears to keep the wax from impacting.  I thought keeping the wax soft would help me from getting the ear infections, but it hasn't.  I don't recall having problems as a child with ear infections, why am I having all this problem as an adult?  (PS Every dr asks if I swim - I don't).  Is there anything I can do to avoid getting these ear infections?  The dr normally treats them with antibiotic drops and with antibiotics.  I'm concerned with all the antibiotics I've taken over the years I'm going to be immumune to them soon!