HI A.;
My son had the same thing when he was quite small. Ear infections and teething going on at the same time. Not sure if anyone told you this...but they go hand-in-hand unfortunately. And when you have a chidl that has both...its especially painful for that little one. Versus the child that only has the teething. So, I feel for the little one! Anyway, I knew my son's personality and knew it wasn't because he was trying to be mean...which is key to know. So, I quickly realized it was a reaction for him to bite something to counteract the pain he was feeling with his gums...and maybe incoming teeth and brewing ear infection. He used to bite down hard my on the shoulder all the time...and I remember it does hurt and it almost is scary as it does happen so fast! But can't blame the poor kids... They say if adults were to start teething they couldn't even handle the pain! Some people say to use cold to help quell the pain in the gums. There are those littel toys you can get especially made to freeze for this kind of use (or those that vibrate too). But cold did not work at all for my son...it seemed to actually make him more angry. HOWEVER, warmth did though! So, sometimes I'd make an especially warm bottle for him to nurse from and he knew enough to put the nipple against those gums to ease that pain pressure.
What also REALLY helped (and was easiest to have at all times) was that I got him a really soft blanket with silk on one side, and a really soft fuzzy other side. The silk was all around the edges as well. Target sells an off-brand of this blanket by Carters (Baby USA carries an even nicer, durable heavier weight brand too). And of course Carters sells the same thing too. So, when he'd do this to me... I'd quickly grab that blanket...which I always had handy. And I'd firmly say...BITE YOUR BLANKET. Which he did. And he loved it! I ended up buying a couple of these fairly inexpensive blankets to have on hand. So, one could always be in the wash at all times. And also kids do tend to get attached to their 'lovies'. So, I needed to make sure we had back-ups just in case we'd ever lose it. Its come in handy for many ways besides this... It obvious use soon was it was for his 'lovie'/comfort. Then, it also kept him warm as well on car rides, etc. And also it was useful a few times when he all of a sudden got the flu and almost threw up all over himself! It was a handy catch-all!
Of course I'm sure you know that Ibuprofen/Motrin for little ones will help take down some of that swelling and pain...and could be used from time to time. But you have to be careful how much and how often you dose out of this. At that small an age, its not good for their blood, etc.
Best of luck with that cutie pie! Sure hope your little one feels relief soon. I'm sure they want to enjoy their childhood too. :)
Take Care,
R~