Hi and thank you very much for your kind reply. Yes I am on my Mac as it is easier for me to type etc.
to answer your questions, yes I am still in the country assigned to both the phone and AirPods, I first had the problem about 2 weeks ago on my 17, and since upgraded to the 18 and still the same. Before that the kept dropping off, ie disconnecting .
I have reset many times, checked the up to date firmware, don't the hearing tests many times but still, they are like wearing ear plugs. There is no volume change in any settings, well apart from playing music, that's fine. I have followed all the reccomendations from apple and elsewhere but no joy.
I was just reaching out in desperation to see if anyone had had similar issues and the resolution. thanks again