<p>An extra-cochlear hearing aid implant is characterized by a pad (62) having a plurality of electrode prongs (72) 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 (142) overlying the cochlea in an "extended soft surgery" technique. The prongs (72) are configured to pierce the endosteum (142) and extend into the cochlea. In one form, the extra- cochlear hearing aid implant also includes hollow tubules (80, 82) 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.</p>
