Artemisinin based combination therapies (ACT) currently are the most promising treatment options for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. There have been controversial reports about possible ototoxicity of artemether / lumefantrine (Coartem®) from retrospective studies. In this investigation treatment of uncomplicated malaria with artemether / lumefantrine, quinine, where side-effects on hearing are known, or atovaquone / proguanil, where no such effects have been reported, are compared. Auditoy function is examined (Auditory Brainstem Response, Pure-tone Audiometry, Otoacustic Emissions) before treatment, after 7, 28, and, for determination of irreversibility, after 90 days.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the potential side-effects of artemether / lumefantrine and other antimalarials on the auditory function.