Abstract: A hearing instrument for direct stimulation of the cochlea of a patient, comprising an audio signal source for providing audio signals, a sound processor for generating auditory nerve stimulation signals from the audio signals, a stimulation assembly to be implanted into the cochlea and comprising an electrode array to be located in the basal part of the cochlea for electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the basal part of the cochlea and a plurality of optical fibers extending beyond the electrode array into the apical part of the cochlea for optical stimulation of the auditory nerve in the apical part of the cochlea, and a driver unit for providing the stimulation assembly, according to the auditory nerve stimulation signals from the sound processor, with electric stimulation signals for the electrode array and with stimulation light from at least one light source for the optical fibers.

Abstract: There is provided an implantable actuator for stimulating a patient's hearing, comprising a support frame (70), a dielectric electroactive polymer membrane (74) fixed and tensioned on the support frame, with the polymer membrane being provided with a first electrode (76) on one side and a second electrode (78) on the other side, means (80, 82, 84) for supplying electric signals to the electrodes, wherein the polymer membrane is for vibrating the cochlear liquid according to the electric signals supplied to the electrodes by direct contact or by contact with the round window membrane (88).