TapNoiseIf music or typing sounds become thin when a call begins, the headset microphone may be active. Apple documents that Bluetooth audio quality can decrease when the connection handles microphone input and playback together.
Confirm the trigger
Close the meeting, chat or recording app and listen again. Also close the Sound input settings after checking them; displaying that input meter can activate the microphone.
If the quality returns, you have a useful clue about the audio mode. That is different from a damaged sound file or a keyboard event arriving late.
Try a different input
Where your meeting app allows it, use the Mac’s built-in microphone while keeping the headset as output. Test with another person before depending on it: the chosen microphone may pick up more room or keyboard noise.
A headset’s available modes and newer device features can vary. Use the behaviour you observe and the current vendor documentation rather than assuming every AirPods model has identical limitations.
Restore ordinary listening
After the microphone is no longer needed, reselect the headphones if the sound remains reduced. Apple also suggests briefly switching output to internal speakers and back.
TapNoise can stay quiet while the mic is active through Quiet during calls. If the issue is only a lag after each key rather than reduced audio quality, use the latency comparison to choose a more comfortable playback path.