cochlear clone

This is an dream only at this stage, I am still a learner when it comes to electronics, I will need a lot of help to progress this project further. (I will also need the help of someone with an undertsaning of the legal world of patents Plase Let me explain... Cochlear has invented a terrifc system to assist people who have hearing loss, see http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/au/home The magnificant implant product has had heavy investment in reserch. I do not wish to reduce in any way the intellectual property rights of Cochlear TM, but I believe there must be a way that a device with similar function and result can be mass produced more cheaply for all patients (without infingining any patents that Cochlear already hold.) If the Elecktor community think this is a worthwhile project, please let me know of any ideas or advice as to how to proceed. Kindest regards to all, RedDog1000