An electrode assembly comprising a low-profile, low-volume elongate
electrode carrier and a corresponding guide tube for introducing the
carrier into the cochlea to place electrodes disposed at the distal end
of the carrier at desired locations along the tonotopically-mapped
cochlea. The electrode assembly facilitates intra- and extra-cochlea
atraumatic implantation of the unobtrusive electrode carrier of the
present invention thereby minimizing adverse impact to natural auditory
functioning. For example, the electrode assembly may be utilized to
implant the low-profile, low-volume elongate electrode carrier into the
scala tympani without damaging the delicate structures of the cochlea and
without interfering with the natural hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea
such as the natural flow of perilymph in the cochlea canals. In one
particular embodiment, the carrier is pre-curved to attain a perimodiolar
position in the scala tympani to facilitate accurate delivery of
electrical stimulation with a minimum stimulation current and power
consumption.