one or more optional markers 209 disposed in or on incision region 240 of carrier member 200 in the embodiment shown in fig2 a there are three markers 209 embedded in the surface of carrier member 200 markers 209 facilitate locating carrier member 200 such that incision region 240 is positioned so as to be partially located within cochlear 115 as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate markers 209 as well as other markers implemented in other embodiments of the present invention may be any type of device that facilitates visual recognition of the location of the carrier member in a recipient such recognition may involve imaging systems in which case one or more of the markers 209 will include features or materials identifiable by such imaging systems lumen 224 in extra cochlear carrier region 206 performs a guiding function rather than a straightening function since carrier member 202 is straight not pre curved in this region of electrode assembly 200 such guiding function in lumen 224 and hence extra cochlear region 206 of electrode assembly 200 may provide a point to hold electrode assembly 200 and stylet 230 well away from cochlea 115 and outside the posterior tympanotomy during the packing of cochleostomy area 142 with temporalis fascia the fascia presses and hermetically seals against carrier member 202 other techniques to seal and hold electrode assembly 202 in cochleostomy region 142 may be used instead of or in addition to packing such as the use of sutures or split bridge there are a number of advantages which may be derived from the.