An electrode assembly for use in a prosthetic hearing implant, the electrode assembly comprising: an elongate carrier member for implantation into the cochlea, the carrier member having a proximal end adapted to be positioned in a basal region of the cochlea, and a distal end adapted to be positioned in an apical region of the cochlea; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal surface of the carrier member, wherein the plurality of electrodes have a predetermined spacing to attain a desired flexibility along the length of the carrier member.