Wired Apple EarPods not working after iOS18 update

My wired Apple EarPods stopped working after iOS18.7.2 update on my iPhone12 pro for no apparent reason except the update. Before the following suggestions, please note I have tried restarting it, Voice Control is disabled, there is no debris in the connector. It seems to be a problem with the update. Looking for anything else to get my headphones working again.

[Edited by Moderator]