James, I'm a retired pilot, not a doctor, but I have to say - throwing compassion to one side - that I'm intrigued by your problem. It seems to be that you could be reacting to one or all of three possible causal triggers - but only under certain circumstances.
I will read and re read your post, but in haste:-
You have a point in time that seems to have initiated these severe follow-on issues: flying with an infection/ear problem.
You have a specific set of circumstances for most, though not all of the triggers of these attacks.
You are showing side symptoms that may be a reaction to the main problem.
Tell us first if you have had an extended anti-biotic course.
I'll also try to reach one of our members that is highly qualified but is not able to spend much time on pprune.
I'll be back soon as possible.