Implant Sends Signals Directly to Brain--Cures Deafness

A delicate surgery that involves placement of tiny electrodes onto the brainstem is helping some people avoid total hearing loss.
The electrodes, connected to a device known as an auditory brain implant, are being placed in patients who require surgery to remove noncancerous tumors associated with a disorder called neurofibromastosis type II. The tumors are often entwined around the nerves that facilitate hearing. Over time the tumors - or the surgical intervention to remove them, can result in fractional or total hearing loss. Go here to read it all.---
http://www.cyberneticsnews.com/Research/Wired_For_Sound_Implant_Sends_Signals_Direct_to_Brain.asp