Audiobook playback sound issues on iPhone 16e after 18.4.1 update

Suddenly, after the update, when listening to an audiobook, the first few syllables of some sentences are clipped off. For example, you might hear the following sentence, where the name of the speaker is inaudible: “……. said ‘blah, blah.’ “

This happens on all audiobooks and ONLY on my iPhone 16e. Using two different audiobooks, same exact phrases, I’ve listened to them on the 16e, my old phone, an SE, and even an iPod) and with earbuds, headphones, and an external speaker. THE PROBEM OCCURS ONLY WHEN USING THE 16e WITH ACTUAL HEADPHONES, with or without Bluetooth. I even broke out brand new headphones. With every other combination, the problem goes away.

This may seem trivial, but I’ve listened to hundreds of audiobooks (from Libby, mainly) and have never had the problem until I updated my new 16e.

Perhaps it’s (somehow) connected to Apple’s 16e Bluetooth problem.