UPDATE!

I have been working on this issue for a few years on and off. In my latest attempt, I identified a low power audio amplifier chip that may be the issue. The IC is on one of the daughterboards in the earpiece capsule. The OEM part is a Motorola MC34119. I will be testing replacement parts when I am free in a few weeks. I will try both OEM and other (more available) versions of the IC. If replacement of this chip doesn't remedy the issue, be assured that I will continue to search for the actual solution, and will not stop until it is resolved.

I hope this works, wish me luck!
-Garbleduser