The 2016 Dighton, Massachusetts, population is 7,399. There are 336 people per square mile (population density).
Middle Ear Infections in Adults. While eustachian tube dysfunction is more common in children, poor tubal function can persist into adulthood and is the main cause for middle ear infections in adults. When fluid or bacteria become trapped inside the ear from the eustachian tube not functioning normally, an infection can occur.
There are a number of reasons why ear infections are much more common in younger children than older children and adults, Dr. Young said. When there is poor ventilation of the middle ear through the eustachian tube, ear infections are more likely to occur. Doctors call this kind of infection otitis media. This tiny tube, the length of a Barbie doll's hand, links the middle ear to the throat. In younger children, this tube is smaller and shorter.