Why am I unable to hear anyone on my AirPods Pro?

Is anyone experiencing microphone issues with their AirPod Pros?

People on the other end cannot hear me clearly at all and I have to remove them and continue my conversation directly through the handset which is not always convenient.

Their sole use is for listening to music.

They were initially replaced under the call back program (even outside of warranty), however I have just been advised that that program has not expired and would have to pay £246 to mail them to Apple as they are out of warranty.

The problem I am experiencing is of that that falls into to the program, not user misuse.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]