AirPod 2nd generation. Short battery life

Hello cynthiafromhuntsville,

Thank you for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. With the short battery life that you're experiencing with your AirPods, we suggest having the latest firmware update for your AirPods. You can obtain the latest firmware update if you're using an iPhone with the latest update of iOS 16.1. This will automatically provide the firmware update to your AirPods. Here's more information:

Find your AirPods firmware version

Firmware updates are delivered periodically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone; your iPad with iPadOS 16.1 or later; or your Mac with macOS Ventura.

Because firmware updates are delivered automatically, you don't need to update your AirPods.

iPadOS 16.1 coming in October

To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods. Tap the "More Info" button , then scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.

To use your Mac to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of macOS. From the Apple menu , Option-click the Apple logo, then choose System Information. Click Bluetooth, then look under your AirPods for the firmware version.

These details are outlined in this helpful article: About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

If the AirPods are already updated to the latest firmware version, the best approach is to contact Apple Support to review the best available service options. You can contact them through this link here: Apple Support

Kind regards.