1. A method of constructing an implantable electrode array assembly, the method comprising: applying electrically conductive material to a frame layer forming a patterned layer of electrically conductive material defining a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of traces, at least one trace being connected to each of the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the electrically conductive material is applied to a sacrificial material, wherein the portion of the conductive material is removed with the sacrificial material; forming a first layer of a substantially electrically nonconductive material, the first layer being adjacent the patterned layer; forming a plurality of first openings in the first layer, the first openings providing access to the plurality of electrodes through the first layer, a different grid defining portion of the first openings being adjacent each of the electrodes, each grid defining portion exposing a plurality of contacts of the electrode to which the grid defining portion is adjacent; and forming a plurality of second openings in the first layer, the second openings providing access to the plurality of traces through the first layer.