Which of the following is NOT included in the scope of an audiologist's practice when working with families of hearing-impaired children?

The choice indicating that providing mental health counseling services is not included in the scope of an audiologist's practice is correct. Audiologists are trained primarily in the identification, assessment, and management of hearing and balance disorders, along with fitting and rehabilitating hearing devices. While they do play a significant role in supporting families dealing with hearing impairments, the scope of their practice does not extend to offering mental health counseling services.

Providing emotional support and counseling, observing parents for emotional reactions, and referring parents to mental health professionals are all within the realm of audiological practice, as these tasks relate to supporting families through the challenges associated with hearing loss. Audiologists may offer general support and guidance to help parents navigate their emotions and the impact of hearing impairment on family dynamics, but they must recognize the limits of their training and expertise in mental health.

Referring parents to mental health professionals ensures that families receive the specialized psychological support they might need, while audiologists remain focused on their core competencies related to auditory health.