Hi Ben,
welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: AirPods louder audio quality in one ear.
Am no expert in this area, and it may be any one of several possible causes. Yet your post deserves some response. Fortunately Apple support provides articles (links below) that may be helpful in finding solutions.
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Re: I just put my AirPods back into the case, left it for a few minutes and it was normal again. Now, it won’t reset.
Trouble-shooting: You may want to try the 8 steps in the article below:
Learn what to do: If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support
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Wondering if you use the AirPods with an iPhone, iPad or Mac:
Keeping the OS version up-to-date can often avoid problems (NB: Wise to back-up first before updating)
Also:
If you haven't already: You can: Set headphone accommodations for AirPods - Apple Support
and
See how to customise the headphone audio levels
iPhone or iPad: Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
or
Mac: Customize the sound of your AirPods on Mac - Apple Support:
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I appreciate that: "It also does not have anything to do with the balance/ EQ in settings":.
You can use mono audio, adjust left-right stereo balance, and—with supported headphones—amplify soft sounds and adjust certain frequencies to best suit your hearing needs.
If you wish, you can check through: Adjust audio settings on iPhone - Apple Support for tips.
For Mac: Try: System Settings > Sound > Left / Right Balance ( Slider )
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Re: "it also seems to constantly be on noise cancellation mode, even when switching to transparency,
the right changes but the left does not. I don’t know how to fix it, as I assume it’s a hardware issue,
not a problem with the wax/dust building up. So far I have tried:
-Resetting the AirPods Pro 2
-Change earbud size"
You may want to check through, and make any changes you wish on AirPods or paired device
"You can switch between Noise Control modes right from your AirPods",
or
you can use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. When you switch between modes, you hear a chime."
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes for AirPods - Apple Support
Eg: says:
" When you're wearing both AirPods, press and hold the force sensor on either AirPod to switch between Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Off. With AirPods 4 (ANC) and AirPods Pro 2, you can also switch to Adaptive Audio.
You can customize which modes to switch between in AirPods Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
To use Active Noise Cancellation with one AirPod only,
use your iPhone or iPad to go to Settings > Accessibility > AirPods, and turn on "Noise Cancellation with One AirPod." Then press and hold the force sensor to switch between noise control modes."
There are more tips in the above article.
Also:
Tips on how to: Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support
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Re: "I assume it’s a hardware issue, not a problem with the wax/dust building up"
Seems you may have already checked nothing (eg: speck of dirt, or wax) is blocking any of the openings on the AirPods or paired device: More info. if needed: How to clean your AirPods - Apple Support
or How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support
For hardware issues: you may be able to make a reservation at the Genius Bar of a nearby Apple Store
or you can check out : AirPods Replacement, Repair, and Service - Apple Support online.
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More Support if needed: Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods....
Website: AirPods Support - Official Apple Support
All the best :-)
