1. An external component of a cochlear implant hearing system, comprising: a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and comprising an internal microphone, wherein said speech processor module receives signals from said internal microphone when operable in said stand-alone mode of operation; a protective case configured to have said speech processor module removably mounted therein; an external microphone positioned external to said protective case, wherein said case enables electrical connection between said speech processor and said external microphone when said speech processor is mounted in said case; and an operational mode controller configured to determine when said speech processor module is mounted in said case and to place said speech processor module in said body-worn mode of operation when said module is mounted in said case, wherein said module receives signals from said external microphone when operable in said body worn mode of operation.