L/R balance way off - how to reset??

Sounds like you have a damaged headphone jack. Have you tried a different set of headphones just to be sure they are not the culprit? If they aren't you can send your ipod in for service or take it to an Apple Store if it is in warranty. If it is not you can either try to repair it yourself (see: http://www.ifixit.com) or send it to a 3rd party repair site. To find one use Google, your Yellow Pages, or http://www.iresq.com.

Why buy a new set, just borrow someone's over the ears set or go to an electronic store or Apple Store and try theirs.

I'm having exactly the same problem. Ive got audio coming through both ears but the Right ear is much louder than the Left. I've tried 2 pairs of headphones which I have tested to see if they work and they do. If I do need it repairing what part needs replacing?

hmm i also have the same problem except i know it is the headphone jack, as i have tried several sets of headphones. however my problem is slightly different as the balance only distorts every now and then or when i touch the headphone jack. I have played the ipod through speakers and a dock so this is how i know that the jack is the problem as it plays perfectly through them. unfortunately it isnt under warranty any more does this mean i need to buy a new one? >_>

Hey guys, I'm having the same problem. 2 days back suddenly the sound output in the right channel decreased dramatically to the tune of 80-90% less. Earphones are alright. Plugged in diff ear-phones of my friends too. Same result. But when connected to external speakers (a 2.1 channel one), the right channel makes up the loss so that the remaining loss is to the tune of 10-15% which is hardly noticeable if you stand far away from them(may be thats a feature of the speaker circiutry). But when again connected to the ear-phones, its the same story. I tried removing the carbon deposits from the metal contacts in the head-phone jack but the didn't help too. Please help. I'm a student and can't afford to buy a new one or pay some hefty replacement fees. I haven't tried 'restoring' yet. Keep posting! Thanks...