A cochlear implant system comprising a first unit adapted to be worn on or in one ear of an implantee. The first unit has a case housing componentry including a microphone, and a speech processor means. A second unit or accessory is adapted to be worn on or in the other ear of the implantee. The second unit or accessory has a case housing a second power source. An electrical conduction means for transmitting power from the second power source to the componentry of the first unit extends between the first and second units. Such a conduction means can extend around the back of the head of the implantee.