I have an erratic USB port on MacBookPro 2012

Hello, I have an erratic USB port on MacBookPro 2012; I frequently get scolded by the "Disk Not Ejected Properly" message and realise that I have no access to my external drive and audio interfaces. There are two USB sockets on this Mac and it doesn't seem to matter which I use, I get the same message.

I'm guessing that over the 8 years I have had this (excellent) MBP, the 1000's of physical connection / de-connection that have happened to it have inevitably caused some wear and tear. I get that. At least, I understand that this COULD be a reason for the intermittent cut-outs that I am getting.

So question (i) am I right, and (ii) what can be done

Thanks and stay safe all