Hello aatesci,
Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities. We're happy to look into this with you. It sounds like a setting may have been changed for your AirPods, some way or another. Have you checked the settings to see if they are the way you'd like? If not, that's the best place to start, so you can adjust them if needed.
Change settings for AirPods Pro (all generations) - Apple Support
Change what the force sensor or Touch control does
You can change the action performed when you press and hold the indent on the stem on your AirPods Pro.
1. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
2. Do one of the following:
On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Go to Settings
, then tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen.
On Mac: Choose Apple menu
> System Settings, then click the name of your AirPods in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down).
3. Choose Left or Right, then choose the action you want performed every time you press and hold the indent on the stem.
Hope this helps!
Best regards.