Thanks a lot for your detailed response — that was actually very helpful to read.
In my case, the symptoms started only a few months ago (not lifelong), and I’m recovering from what was diagnosed as chronic sinus inflammation, which probably triggered the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. I’ve just finished a round of antibiotics (Lincocin), and my sinuses feel about 50–60% better now, although the ear pressure has slightly worsened again — likely because more secretions are now draining and irritating the tube.
I’ve also noticed that chewing sometimes significantly reduces the pressure, and the sensation can switch sides (left to right), which makes me think there’s no anatomical deformity involved — more like fluctuating inflammation or drainage imbalance.
I did take pseudoephedrine (Rinasek, in my country) for 10 days and it really helped, but now that I’ve stopped, symptoms are returning mildly.