Does AppleCare+ cover external speaker issues on AirPods Pro 3 affecting Transparency and Noise Cancellation?

I have a question about AppleCare+ coverage for the AirPods Pro 3.

If the external speaker ports (the outer microphones/speakers) stop functioning properly — causing Transparency mode or Active Noise Cancellation to work poorly or not at all — is this type of hardware failure covered by AppleCare+?

In other words, if the AirPods Pro 3 no longer provide correct ANC/Transparency performance due to degraded or faulty external speakers/microphones, can I receive a repair or replacement under AppleCare+?

I want to be sure whether this qualifies as a covered hardware issue, rather than normal wear or a non-covered cosmetic problem.