Samsung GS3 headphone audio suddenly static-y

[AC Question]

Was working fine yesterday at noon but when I came home and plugged jack in it's acting as if it's not completely plugged in? Notification sounds and other noise from the phone actions (turning volume up/down) work fine,... they're from the speaker.

-Headphone by itself works fine (on computer, other devices, etc)
-Phone speakers work fine by itself as well.
-Sounds as if it isn't plugged all the way in even though it is (it clicks on)
-Checked inside of the jack with a small flashlight......can't see anything out of ordinary (no visible dirt, lint, etc I messed around inside with a toothpick)

Phone (bought two years ago):

"Samsung Galaxy S3 neo i9300i 16GB - Factory Unlocked International Version - Black"

"Samsung Replacement EH64AVFWE 3.5mm Premium Stereo Headset - Non-Retail Packaging - White"

On Amazon. Can't post links sorry.

 

[Arlizz]

Can anyone please answer???

 

[Arlizz]

bump

 

[Rukbat]

A few possibilities, all hardware-related. A bad connection on the jack, a weak spring on the jack (making an intermittent connection to the plug), a bad connection on the motherboard (least likely, since that would most likely affect the speaker too). In any case, the phone has to be opened up and checked.