Why do my AirPods (3rd generation) only sound clear when positioned upward?

my airpods (3rd generation) only sound good when i have them almost faced upwards so the bottom of my airpods are faced in front of me. this has been happening for a while, i have a theory that it is a cleaning problem but it still doesnt make much sense to me.

when they are put in my ears the right way they are really really quiet and feel like im listening to them from a phone in the room next to me and they are almost muffled when put in like intended.

please someone help with any ideas!!!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AirPods only sound clear in certain position