Distinguishing between ear infection and teething?

[workingmom2000]

Is there any way to distinguish between the symptoms of the two?

My 4 month old has been out of sorts and is feeding poorly. He has a slight cough, but no runny nose or any other cold symptoms. He's just v. irritable and when I put my finger in his mouth he wants to bite on it. Only thing is that I never let him suck /bite on my finger before, so not sure if this is more of a recent thing or just his habit.

Sounds nasty but I usually push just behind the ears (gland may be up so it's easier) and if they scream it's usually an ear infection....your 4 month old sounds like he could be teething though.