An ABI pad having a configuration and composition to provide the ABI pad with sufficient flexibility to permit the pad to be curved, molded or otherwise conformed to the cochlear nucleus, brainstem or other therapeutically-beneficial site, while ensuring the ABI pad maintains structural integrity over the anticipated operational life of the implant. The ABI pads are manufactured from silicone or other biocompatible material having a durometer sufficient to ensure the durability of the ABI pad over the anticipated operational life of the implant. To attain substantial flexibility, the thickness or cross section of the ABI pad is as minimal as possible to increase flexibility while not adversely affecting the noted durability of the pad. In one embodiment, the ABI pads are formed with an aperture in its interior region resulting in an ABI pad having minimal material mass while having sufficient structural integrity to reliably support the electrodes and associated wires. Thus, the ABI pads of the present invention may still be molded from, for example, industry standard 30 durometer silicone, and the wires and electrodes may be fabricated from industry standard platinum or a platinum/iridium alloy or other bio-compatible noble metals.
