Abstract: Presented herein are trans-modiolar stimulation techniques in which stimulation current is sourced (delivered) by at least one intra-cochlear stimulating contact and is sunk at a group of other intra-cochlear stimulating contacts. The group of other intra-cochlear stimulating contacts is positioned (located) across a section of the recipient's modiolus from the intra-cochlear stimulating contact that sources the stimulation. As such, stimulation current generally passes through the modiolus to stimulate spiral ganglion cells and evoke a hearing percept.

Abstract: Presented herein are trans-modiolar stimulation techniques in which stimulation current is sourced (delivered) by at least one intra-cochlear stimulating contact and is sunk at a group of other intra-cochlear stimulating contacts. The group of other infra-cochlear stimulating contacts is positioned (located) across a section of the recipient's modiolus from the intra-cochlear stimulating contact that sources the stimulation. As such, stimulation current generally passes through the modiolus to stimulate spiral ganglion cells and evoke a hearing percept.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array for insertion into an implantee's body. The array comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of electrodes are supported by the carrier at respective longitudinally spaced locations thereon between the proximal end and the distal end. The carrier is comprised of at least a first portion that preferentially adopts a first at least partially curved configuration and at least a second portion that preferentially adopts a second different configuration to that of the first portion. The second portion is closer to the distal end than the first portion and both the first and second portions each have at least one electrode supported thereon.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus, such as a inner ear prosthetic hearing implant, and a method for delivering neuron firing threshold-reducing stimuli to a neural network of an implantee are provided. The apparatus comprises a stimulator device that generates stimulation signals, and an electrode array that receives the stimulation signals and delivers the stimuli to the neural network of the implantee in response to the signals. The stimuli delivered to the implantee facilitates and/or controls the production and/or release of naturally occurring agents into the neural network to reduce the firing thresholds of neurons.

Abstract: A stimulating medical device. The stimulating medical device comprises a plurality of electrical contacts implantable proximate to a recipient's neural system; and an electrical stimulation controller configured to generate and apply plasticity modulating electrical stimulation signals to the recipient's neural system via one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts, the plasticity modulating signals configured to facilitate one or more of the production and release of naturally occurring neurotrophic agents within the recipient's neural system.

Abstract: A stimulating medical device. The stimulating medical device comprises: a stimulating assembly implantable proximate to a recipient's neural system, the assembly having at least one agent delivery port and a plurality of electrical contacts; an electrical stimulation controller configured to generate electrical stimulation signals for application the neural system via one or more of the plurality of electrical contacts; a pharmaceutical agent source configured to provide a plasticity modulating agent to the at least one delivery port for application to the neural system; and a pharmaceutical agent controller configured to control one or more of the pharmaceutical agent source and the at least one delivery port to cause selective application of the plasticity modulating agent to the neural system to at least one of reinforce and activate one or more neural pathways within the system.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array for insertion into an implantee's body. The array comprises an elongate carrier having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of electrodes are supported by the carrier at respective longitudinally spaced locations thereon between the proximal end and the distal end. The carrier is comprised of at least a first portion that preferentially adopts a first at least partially curved configuration and at least a second portion that preferentially adopts a second different configuration to that of the first portion. The second portion is closer to the distal end than the first portion and both the first and second portions each have at least one electrode supported thereon.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus, such as a inner ear prosthetic hearing implant, and a method for delivering neuron firing threshold-reducing stimuli to a neural network of an implantee are provided. The apparatus comprises a stimulator device that generates stimulation signals, and an electrode array that receives the stimulation signals and delivers the stimuli to the neural network of the implantee in response to the signals. The stimuli delivered to the implantee facilitates and/or controls the production and/or release of naturally occurring agents into the neural network to reduce the firing thresholds of neurons.