An exemplary electrode locating system performs an excitation spread measurement by directing a first electrode to generate an electrical pulse and, in response to the generation of the electrical pulse, detecting a voltage between a second electrode and a reference that are both distinct from the first electrode. The first and second electrodes are included in a plurality of electrodes disposed on an electrode lead included within a cochlear implant system and that comprises a proximal portion configured to be coupled with a cochlear implant and a distal portion configured to be inserted into a cochlea of a patient by way of an insertion procedure. Based on the excitation spread measurement, the electrode locating system determines whether at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is located within the cochlea. Corresponding methods are also described.
