Hello aristocat3,
Thank you for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. There's a chance that adjusting the sound effects for your AirPods through the Accessibility settings on your iPhone can help to provide you a more comfortable sound level. Here are the steps on how to adjust the sound effects for your AirPods:
Change the volume of AirPods sound effects using iPhone
1. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your iPhone.
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings 
> Accessibility > AirPods.
3. Select your AirPods, then adjust Tone Volume.
For more options—such as Headphone Accommodations—tap Audio Accessibility Settings. See Set headphone accommodations for AirPods.
This information is outlined here: Adjust the volume of sound effects for AirPods - Apple Support
In addition, you can customize the audio settings with Headphone Accommodations. This is another step to provide you a comfortable sound level. Here's how:
1. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations, then turn on Headphone Accommodations.
2. Tap Custom Audio Setup, then follow the onscreen instructions. Or manually set any of the following:
- Tune Audio For: Choose Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, or Brightness.
- Level: Choose Slight, Moderate, or Strong amplification of soft sounds.
- Phone: Apply these audio settings to phone calls.
- Media: Apply these audio settings to media playback.
- Transparency Mode on AirPods Pro (all generations): Turn on Custom Transparency Mode and adjust the amplification, balance, and tone to help you hear what’s happening around you. See Customize Transparency mode for AirPods Pro.
- To preview your audio settings, tap Play Sample.
Here's an article with the information: Adjust the volume of sound effects for AirPods - Apple Support
Following these two methods may help you to fully enjoy your AirPods without any issues to the sound.
Best regards.
