Bluetooth earbuds with kernel 6.8 not working

My Ubuntu system, 22.04 received an update in the form of a new kernel. Previously it was version 6.5, now it is: Kernel: 6.8.0-40-generic

I noticed that my earbuds were not working. The output sound only came out of the laptop speakers. When I checked the sound settings, I selected the earbuds:

However, when I go to test the speakers...

The speakers are non-existent.

I double checked and went to the previous kernel and everything worked hunky dory.

I think there's something iffy with the kernel that has broken support for Bluetooth earbuds.

Thanks