How can I tell?

[cristeen]

WHen he's rubbing his ear because of teething pain and when it's because he has something like an ear infection?

[maguvet]

i think ear rubbing is just a general sign of discomfort. my son does it before he gets a cold, if his belly hurts, or anything. if you want to get a otoscope (just a cone with a light source) to look in his ears, they are not invasive, and some are very inexpensive. you don't have to be a doctor to see redness, swelling, or discharge! obviously you shouldn't go down deep, but you can check for a simple outer ear infection.