Abstract: An elongate electrode carrier member including a longitudinally-extending central region, two side regions laterally extending from opposing sides of the central region, a lateral surface defined by the central and side regions together forming a convex circumferential surface, a medial surface defined by a convex surface of the central region and a concave surface for each of the side regions, a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrodes disposed on or in the convex surface of the central region of the medial surface, and a support structure including a plurality of longitudinally extending wires each connected to one or more of the electrodes, wherein a subset of the plurality of wires is disposed in the central region and at least one of the plurality of wires is disposed in one of the side regions.

Abstract: An elongate electrode carrier member for implantation in a location external to the cochlear canals to position at least one, and likely many, electrodes sufficiently proximate to the organ of Corti to effectively deliver stimulation signals to the auditory nerve fibers of the cochlear. Generally, the carrier member is dimensioned to be implanted in a crevice, channel or pocket formed between the spiral ligament and bony capsule of the cochlear. Embodiments of the carrier member preferably have a minimized volume to accommodate insertion into such a crevice. In addition, embodiments of the carrier member comprise an elongate bulbous central region having electrodes disposed on the medial surface thereof, and elongate tapered side regions laterally extending from the central region. The side regions have rounded edges and are preferably flexible, while the carrier is configured to coil or turn toward the medial surface.