New Cochlear Implant...

This link is for Steve, in case he hasn't seen it yet...

Medgadget: New Cochlear Implant Could Improve Hearing

"A University of Michigan team led by Dr. Kensall D. Wise, director of the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS) has developed a cochlear implant based on thin-film electrodes for direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. In addition to improving hearing for the deaf, scientists believe that the implant's design will allow a simpler insertion for surgeons and thus should minimize damage to healthy ear tissue:"
Written on February 11, 2006