An extra-cochlear hearing aid implant is characterized by a pad having a
plurality of electrode prongs that extend therefrom and which are adapted
to provide an electrical stimulus to hearing cells within the cochlea.
The electrode pad is adapted to be placed onto endosteum overlying the
cochlea in an "extended soft surgery" technique. The prongs are
configured to pierce the endosteum and extend into the cochlea. In one
form, the extra-cochlear hearing aid implant also includes hollow tubules
that extend from the pad and which are adapted to supply and withdraw
neurotrophic proteins and other materials in a fluid into and from the
cochlea, and also to provide electrical stimulus to the hearing cells.