Abstract: A neural prosthetic device for a primary auditory cortex of a patient includes a speech processor for receiving and processing audio information and for outputting processed electrical signals and a support arranged in said primary auditory cortex having a plurality of electrical contacts. The support is arranged in the patient's primary auditory cortex and each of the plurality of electrical contacts independently outputs electrical discharges in accordance with the processed electrical signals. The plurality of electrical contacts are arranged to approximately tonotopically match the primary auditory cortex.