AirPods leak sound and volume is very low

Greetings Claire_violet14,

Let's have you check the audio balance setting, as perhaps the audio is set to favor the left channel, which may be causing the issue. Check out those steps here:

If your left or right AirPod isn't working - Apple Support

If there's low volume in one AirPod

If your left or right AirPod isn't playing any sound, or if the volume is too quiet, follow these steps:

1. Check the microphone and speaker mesh on each AirPod. 

2. If you see any debris, clean your AirPods using the guidelines in this article, and see if that fixes the issue.

3. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance, and make sure that the balance is set in the middle.

Additionally, ensure the firmware is updated for your AirPods, as updating firmware can help to clear up unexpected behavior. To ensure your AirPods are updated, update your companion iOS or iPadOS device, as outlined here: About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

Firmware updates are delivered periodically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Because firmware updates are delivered automatically, you don't need to update your AirPods.

To use your iPhone or iPad to check that your AirPods are up to date, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, then tap the Info button next to the name of your AirPods. Scroll down to the About section to find the firmware version.

If the issue persists, then reach out to Apple Support directly to help investigate the behavior: Contact - Official Apple Support

Kind regards.

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities Claire_violet14,

Cleaning your AirPods was definitely a good step to take. Next, try resetting your AirPods, and setting them up again.

You might need to reset your AirPods if they won't charge, or to fix a different issue.

1: Put your AirPods in their charging case, and close the lid.

2: Wait 30 seconds.

3: Open the lid of your charging case, and put your AirPods in your ears.

4: Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Or go to Settings > [your AirPods].

• If your AirPods appear there as connected, tap the More Info button  next to your AirPods, tap Forget This Device, then tap again to confirm.

• If your AirPods don't appear there, continue to the next step. 

5: Put your AirPods in their charging case, and keep the lid open. 

6: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light on the front of the case flashes amber, then white.*

7: Reconnect your AirPods: With your AirPods in their charging case and the lid open, place your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad. Follow the steps on your device's screen.

AirPods can be associated with one Apple ID. If you want to use AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) that someone else has used, they first need to remove the AirPods from their Apple ID.

* When you reset your AirPods, the settings for your AirPods also reset. You can change your settings again.

How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

Cheers!