Listen to Me! Documentary
Witness the life-changing moment when a child with profound hearing loss hears sound for the very first time. Eyes widen. The world falls still. Then comes the smile that says everything has changed.
This is the transformation cochlear implants can bring to young children.
Listen to Me! takes you inside these powerful moments—when silence gives way to sound and children’s futures are forever transformed. Through the stories of families, clinicians, and communities, the film reveals what becomes possible when early hearing healthcare is accessible and supported.
This is more than a documentary—it is a window into the power of connection, the impact of timely intervention, and the global collaboration working to ensure that more children have the opportunity to listen, speak, and thrive.
Where the Film Has Been
Since its premiere, Listen to Me! has been screened for audiences at Stanford University, in Kenya, in Palm Beach, Florida, and in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—sparking meaningful conversations about access, equity, and the global need for early hearing intervention.
We are currently submitting the film to festivals and will share updates about future public screenings as they become available.
The Story Behind the Film
In Kenya—and in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa—children born with hearing loss often go undiagnosed and unsupported. Without early screening, trained professionals, or access to hearing technology and therapy, these children face significant barriers to education, communication, and opportunity.
Hearing loss becomes more than a medical condition—it becomes a barrier to full participation in society.
Our Response: Hear Kenya Initiative
The film highlights the work of the Hear Kenya Initiative, a long-term effort to build a sustainable, locally led system of hearing healthcare—from early diagnosis to family-centered therapy and support.
In partnership with local leaders and global collaborators, the Baker Institute has:
- Funded cochlear implant care for children in need
- Hosted Kenya’s first Listen to Me! Conference, training caregivers and professionals in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) strategies
- Expanded partnerships with Kenyan clinicians and institutions to support long-term capacity building
Looking Ahead
The Hear Kenya Initiative continues to grow through investments in infrastructure, professional training, teletherapy, and direct services. This work is focused on creating sustainable systems that will serve children and families for years to come.
Our Partners
This work is powered by collaboration, including partnerships with Project C.U.R.E., Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, the University of Nairobi, and a network of dedicated Kenyan clinicians and healthcare leaders.
Stay Connected
Listen to Me! is more than a film—it reflects a growing global movement grounded in access, dignity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to listen, speak, and thrive.
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