An electrode array for a cochlear implant is formed with a carrier made, for example from silicone, is preshaped and is formed with a lumen. The array is shaped to assume a first. The array can be straightened, and held in a straight configuration by inserting a stylet into the lumen. The array relaxes to a shape matching the curvature of the cochlea when the lumen is removed. The electrodes of the array are disposed on one side of the array to face the modiolus when the array is inserted into the cochlea.