An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system, the arrangement comprising: a flexible intracochlear electrode array (301, 501) configured for insertion into the implanted cochlea, the electrode array having: i. an array proximal end configured for passing through an electrode opening in the outer surface of an implanted cochlea, ii. an array distal end terminating within the implanted cochlea, and iii. an outer surface with a plurality of electrode contacts configured for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea; and a flexible extracochlear electrode lead (302, 502) configured for carrying the cochlear stimulation signals, the electrode lead having: i. a lead proximal end coupled to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, ii. a lead distal end connected to the array proximal end at the electrode opening, characterised by an outer surface having a plurality of string connectors distributed thereon, and by at least one connecting string attached at each end to a string connector to form a string connection that holds together a loop (504, 507, 508, 509) of the electrode lead between the attached string connectors, the loop being longer than the string connection; wherein the string connection is adapted to be removed after healing of the implanted cochlea following insertion of the electrode array (301, 501) to thereby decouple post-surgical mechanical strain on the electrode lead (302, 502) from the electrode array. a flexible intracochlear electrode array (301, 501) configured for insertion into the implanted cochlea, the electrode array having: i. an array proximal end configured for passing through an electrode opening in the outer surface of an implanted cochlea, ii. an array distal end terminating within the implanted cochlea, and iii. an outer surface with a plurality of electrode contacts configured for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea; and i. an array proximal end configured for passing through an electrode opening in the outer surface of an implanted cochlea, ii. an array distal end terminating within the implanted cochlea, and iii. an outer surface with a plurality of electrode contacts configured for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea; and a flexible extracochlear electrode lead (302, 502) configured for carrying the cochlear stimulation signals, the electrode lead having: i. a lead proximal end coupled to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, ii. a lead distal end connected to the array proximal end at the electrode opening, i. a lead proximal end coupled to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, ii. a lead distal end connected to the array proximal end at the electrode opening, characterised by an outer surface having a plurality of string connectors distributed thereon, and by at least one connecting string attached at each end to a string connector to form a string connection that holds together a loop (504, 507, 508, 509) of the electrode lead between the attached string connectors, the loop being longer than the string connection; wherein the string connection is adapted to be removed after healing of the implanted cochlea following insertion of the electrode array (301, 501) to thereby decouple post-surgical mechanical strain on the electrode lead (302, 502) from the electrode array.