Why does phone have no sound on one ear?

[AC Question]

My friend's Galaxy Note suddenly started playing sounds only through the right ear. It doesn't matter the app (Spotify, YouTube, Play Music....) or the device (3.5mm jack, Bluetooth headset) being used for playback. We tested both the earphones and the Bluetooth headset on a different device and they are both working properly.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Does that persist after a reboot? How about a cache partition wipe? https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-11018

Since it happens on both wired and Bluetooth headphones, it's clearly not an issue with the headphone jack.

 

[galbertom]

Thanks for welcoming, B. Diddy.

The problem still persists after the cache partition wipe. I was trying to avoid the factory reset, but it kinda seems I'll have to give it a shot. Any other ideas?

 

[B. Diddy]

You could try reinstalling the firmware, using either Samsung Kies or Smart Switch. If it's the same firmware that's already on there, I think it doesn't wipe the phone, but you should back it up beforehand just in case.

 

[galbertom]

I ended up solving by doing a factory reset. I had to back up on an SD card with Smart Switch, because no computer in my house would recognize the device correctly, regardless of the OS or cable used.