After doing what was suggested. Cleaning, restart, more cleaning. I relented and took it to the Genius Bar.
The earpiece and lowere speaker/microphone were both gummed up with dirt and muck. The tech there used a product like stick putty called Blue Tack, a short brush, some alcohol wipes and in about 5 minutes he had it clean enough to hear the difference.
I asked a street repair guy what he does and he replaces the earpiece and lower speaker screens.
I tried my best but that Blue Tack stuff seemed to be the best on the grime.
think about it , the earpiece orfice is in a perfect place so that all the grease, grime and dirt can get pushed right into it.
it’s actually a big problem. He said they get about 10 everyday.