Cochlear optical analysis system and approach therefor

A micro-optical probe approach facilitates imaging, testing and/or analysis of cochlear tissue. According to an example embodiment, a probe is implanted into cochlear tissue of a live being and used to obtain an image of cochlear tissue and the image is used to characterize a condition of auditory function of the cochlear tissue as represented, for example, by fluid flow in the tissue. Certain embodiments are directed to the use of a fluorescent dye to label cochlear tissue. A fluorescent response of the dye to stimulation is detected and used to characterize the cochlear tissue. In some applications, the probe is used to guide the implant of a cochlear prosthesis.