I guess i'd learn as much as i could about the technology.
Search on "cochlear implant Texas Instruments" yielded lots of hits
here's a few that weren't advertisements. First one is some fellow's actual experience with one.
http://smy2ci.blogspot.com/2012/02/m...ss-report.html
http://www.edn.com/design/medical/43...he-eye-and-ear
http://www.nciua.org.uk/Welcome.html
http://www.signalprocessingsociety.o...012-08/Loizou/
Reason i included TI in my search is about ten years ago their medical division was working on retina implants for blind people - but i coiuldn't find that department today.
Good Luck to you.