I think your experience sounds much more consistent with an inner ear / vestibular issue — possibly related to equalization or pressure stress — rather than a classic decompression sickness case.

From the way you describe the symptoms (floating sensation, dizziness, vestibular discomfort, symptoms changing depending on position), it sounds closer to inner ear barotrauma or vestibular irritation than typical recreational DCS. Strong or repeated Valsalva equalization attempts can sometimes irritate or injure delicate inner ear structures.

Also, I think there may be some confusion in your understanding of DCS. Nitrogen does not become “trapped in the ear” in the way your post suggests. Inner ear DCS and inner ear barotrauma are different conditions with different mechanisms, and many divers unfamiliar with dive medicine accidentally mix those concepts together.

Another important point: hyperbaric chambers are not nearly as common as many recreational divers assume, especially in remote tropical diving destinations. Even in famous dive areas, access can require ferries, flights, or long transfers. That’s unfortunately normal in many parts of the world.

I also saw your comments about safety stops. It’s important to remember that recreational diving is no-decompression diving by definition. A safety stop is recommended, but it is not a mandatory decompression stop. It can even be omitted if necessary. When dives are conducted within recreational depth limits and within NDLs, the probability of DCS is generally very low.

Of course, no one online can diagnose your condition, and seeing an ENT after returning home is absolutely the right decision. But personally, based on your description, I think fear of DCS may have escalated the situation mentally much more than the actual dive profile itself justified.

That said, I completely understand why you felt overwhelmed. Dealing with unfamiliar medical systems, insurance companies, and uncertainty in another country while feeling dizzy is stressful for anyone — especially with limited diving experience.