Abstract: An electrode lead for a cochlear implant system may include a tube having an interior volume and an outer peripheral surface; a plurality of stimulating electrodes disposed on a distal portion of the electrode lead; a ground electrode disposed on a proximal portion of the electrode lead for providing a current return path for stimulation current generated by the plurality of stimulation electrodes, wherein the ground electrode is ring-shaped and is fixed on and around the outer peripheral surface of the tube; and a ground wire extending within the interior volume of the tube to the ground electrode and being electrically connected to the ground electrode through an opening in a wall of the tube.

Abstract: An exemplary electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, an electrode contact disposed on an outer surface of the flexible body, and a strand that includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a loop that is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion and that protrudes from the flexible body. The loop is configured to engage with a fixing element that is configured to attach the loop to tissue within a recipient to secure the electrode lead within the recipient. Corresponding methods for manufacturing an electrode lead are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary connection joint includes a wire constructed from a first conductive material having a first melting point and a pad constructed from a second conductive material different from the first conductive material and having a second melting point lower than the first melting point. The connection joint further includes a groove within the pad that partially surrounds the wire and a fixative covering the wire and the pad so as to fix the wire in place within the groove. The groove is formed by a displacement of the second conductive material that occurs when the wire is in contact with the pad at a contact area of the pad that is heated to a temperature between the first and second melting points so as to reflow the second conductive material from which the pad is constructed without reflowing the first conductive material from which the wire is constructed.

Abstract: An exemplary electrode lead includes a flexible body formed of a flexible insulating material, an electrode contact disposed on an outer surface of the flexible body, and a strand that includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a loop that is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion and that protrudes from the flexible body. The loop is configured to engage with a fixing element that is configured to attach the loop to tissue within a recipient to secure the electrode lead within the recipient. Corresponding methods for manufacturing an electrode lead are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary connection joint includes a wire constructed from a first conductive material having a first melting point and a pad constructed from a second conductive material different from the first conductive material and having a second melting point lower than the first melting point. The connection joint further includes a groove within the pad that partially surrounds the wire and a fixative covering the wire and the pad so as to fix the wire in place within the groove. The groove is formed by a displacement of the second conductive material that occurs when the wire is in contact with the pad at a contact area of the pad that is heated to a temperature between the first and second melting points so as to reflow the second conductive material from which the pad is constructed without reflowing the first conductive material from which the wire is constructed.

Abstract: Described herein is a housing comprising an inside and at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises inner and outer surfaces. An etch stop deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the housing, and a diaphragm material deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the etch stop deposit.

Abstract: Described herein is a housing comprising an inside and at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises inner and outer surfaces. An etch stop deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the housing, and a diaphragm material deposit is disposed over at least a portion of the etch stop deposit.