E G R Valve

What is your question?

I went to replace my egr valve aprox 6 months ago, but never cleaned the ports before mounting the part, service engine light is back on, and car is running sluggish? and I am hearing a sound almost like a hole in exhaust pipe not real loud, but noticable?? Is the erg valve bad now again, or can it be cleaned also? not sure what to do at this point, have I done damage to my motor??