AirPod Pro; experiencing popping/cracking/vibrating noises after 3 months of use

I have been using AirPod Pros since their release in October/November 2019. In February 2020 I noticed that the right bud started to pop / crack / vibrate in 'transparency' and 'off' modes whenever I spoke or made a general human noise (cough, swallow, etc.). This would happen regardless of the device I paired them with - iPhone, iPad or iMac. I can even recreate the sound while the Pods are simply in my ears and not being used.

Originally, the "cracking" would disappear when I switched to 'noice cancellation' mode but, eventually, I experienced it in all modes. I shared the pods with my wife who noticed the same issue - confirming that it wasn't my ear.

Music and incoming voices via phone calls, however, do not cause the popping/cracking effect, that is, until I speak, cough, swallow or move my jaw. Yesterday, while taking a walk, I noticed that the slight breeze hitting my right ear caused the sound as well, which reminded me to contact Apple Support. Together we reset the AirPod Pros to factory mode and reconnected them, but the noise remained.

I am expecting a new right AirPod Pro today as I am still under warranty, but I am getting particularly nervous seeing how many of users are experiencing similar issues.