Abstract: A simple cochlear implant is provided that avoids excavation of the mastoid bone. The cochlear implant includes one or more modules for housing the active and passive electronics, and an electrode array for stimulating the nerves of the cochlea. The cochlear implant may include a single modular unit which houses all of the electronics including processor, power supply and microphone. The single modular unit is positioned within the soft tissue behind the ear pinna. Alternatively, the cochlear implant includes two modular units. The first module is implanted within the soft tissue between the ear pinna and mastoid bone. Meanwhile, the second unit is an external module which may be positioned at various external locations. The exterior module may transmit electrical signals to the implanted module through various communication connections including direct electrical contact or through an electromagnetic link.