An apparatus and method is provided for lateral contact loading of an
implantable transducer relative to an auditory component. The apparatus
may include a contact tip for directly contacting a lateral aspect of an
auditory component, and a vibratory actuator adapted for axial
displacement in response to the operation of an interconnected
implantable hearing aid transducer. At least a portion of the vibratory
actuator may be deflectable, wherein the contact tip is laterally
displaceable upon lateral deflection of the vibratory actuator to apply a
lateral loading force to an auditory component. In operation, the contact
tip may be positioned to apply the lateral loading force upon initial
placement and then automatically moved to maintain contact with the
auditory component by virtue of deflection of the vibratory actuator,
(e.g., responsive) post-implantation auditory component movement.