rightpedalRIGHTPEDAL: not a bad idea! I'm ok with the jam but the rice!! Now wouldn't that be like shooting bullets!!....
How 'bout crackers & jam instead!
CTD : good reply, fever is usually the first indication of any infection, sharp stabbing or throbbing pains in the ear would indicate the same. Vestibular (inner ear disorder) could also be at play. Many of us don't know it until we're actually put in that "trick your brain" situation! A Dr's visit would clear up that theory up. A temporary fix is the focusing on the horizon as you said or even on anything straight ahead (hopefully not the rice on your partener's headset!
Good luck canuk1, hope things "settle down".
Heli-loggers might have some temporary remedies, that line of work I hear can be "up-lifting" too!