Perception of mechanical heart valve sounds

Most currently used mechanical heart valve prostheses generate a distinct sound when they close. This sound is sometimes disturbing to the patient, and may impair quality of life. In a study of 285 patients followed up for a mean of 2.5 years after mechanical heart valve replacement, one-third were sometimes disturbed by sounds emanating from the prosthesis. Older patients were less disturbed than young ones, but whether this could be explained by age-related impairment of hearing ability (presbyacusis) was not possible to determine. Prosthetic size, implantation site, patient's weight, body surface area and type of prosthesis did not statistically differ according to experience of prosthetic sounds. Although few patients were seriously disturbed by these sounds, it is hoped that mechanical heart valves of the future will function more quietly.