Connecting nerves never touch but are separated by a gap called a Synapse.
The word "connect" requires some explanation here. The extensions of the nerves (dendrites and axons) never touch the hair cells or the other nerves in the pathways to and in the brain.
There is always a tiny gap. And what occurs in this gap is truly amazing. This gap is as wide as the ink on a page of print. In the fluid of the gap are ions of various kinds. This gap, incidentally is called a synapse.
When the celia of the hair cell is wrenched, an electrical potential in the cell is produced. Molecules (neural transmitters) are emitted from the base of the cell. These cross the gap and embed themselves in special receptacles in the "connecting" nerve.
After another quick exchange of molecules the membrane of the cell is altered so that ions in the surrounding fluid may enter the cell. When they do, they change the valence of the cell.
NOTES: More information on Synapses.