Hi, Findley, welcome to PsychCentral (PC). I think you are just becoming really afraid of being afraid; like you said, you "got so nervous, it felt as if the room was spinning." That sort of anxiety can cascade on you.

We all think all sorts of random thoughts, that's pretty much what thinking, when we're not specifically paying attention to it, is. I remember for many years (15-20) I kept having the random thought, "Guess what we did in French today?" long after I had quit taking French in high school Reminds me of your, "Does the dean know what we're doing". It took a lot of experience in therapy before I figured it out for myself, why I was coming up with that particular phrase when I was. Random thoughts are kind of like dreams, ours but mostly unconscious. I had an illness that left me with ear noise and yes, if you attend, it will naturally become "clearer"/louder. I would go talk to someone about your fears/worries, your doctor or see a counselor. I do not think you are going crazy.