A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea； an internal processor in communication with the electrode array； an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor； and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna； and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core. A modular speech processor headpiece includes a core comprising a microphone and sound processor for producing a signal representing ambient sound to be transmitted to a cochlear implant, the core further comprising a number of electrical contacts； and a modular component containing a number of electrical contacts corresponding to the electrical contacts of the core； wherein the core is configured to engage with the modular component such that electrical communication is made between the core and the modular component.
