Why Do My Apple In-Ear HeadPhones Crackle on the Higher Notes?

I just got a pair of the Apple In-Ear HeadPhones for Christmas, and have been really impressed by their sound quality thus far. However, today while using the HeadPhones I noticed that they have started this weird crackling sound with high notes. It only seems to affect notes higher on the treble clef, but the bass sounds fine (better than my old EarPods in fact). I took them out and cleaned the tips, and I kinda wiped off the mesh caps, but it didn't seem to help. I am hesitant to use the spare mesh caps, because they're so new, and I don't think they should need replacing yet. I can't dish out however much money the spare mesh caps cost every two weeks! Has anyone else had this problem, and have they found a solution? They're too expensive and new to be busted already! Right?