Does this sound like Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and is it in some cases a chronic, untreatable problem? For over a month, I ve been having problems with my left ear. It started when I had grommets and I often performed the valsalva maneuver. The grommets have fallen out but now I have an inflamed feeling where the Eustachian tube area is. I can t lay on it otherwise it would be blocked, inflamed, hurting all day and hearing would be worsened. I also hear a whooshing sound whenever I chew or open my jaw. Every day I m experiencing slight pain and an inflamed feeling. If this is Eustachian Tube dysfunction, how can it be treated and can doctors actually see the problem? I ve heard stories that some people have lived with it for years and doctors are not able to treat it.