I haven't tested this myself but sounds like a good solution.

Select 'Audio Settings.' Select Audio on the left Speak up to see if the 'Input Level' increases under the Microphone section. If you cannot hear it, select a different speaker from the drop-down menu or adjust the Volume. In the Speaker section, click Test Speaker to play a test tone. Other folks have noted that you can go to Settings>Sound Settings>Manage sound devices> disable the “hands-free“ audio from both output devices and input devices. Checking Zoom microphone settings Click the arrow to the right of the microphone icon in the lower left part of the window. In the top-right corner, click your profile picture, then click Settings. Update from 10 months later since it seems like people are still coming here: There are some other ideas in the comments but here's another one I've found works: Set the Zoom microphone to your laptop/computer, but then have audio set to 'Same as System' with your headphones connected, or have audio connected directly to your headphones. Troubleshoot and install Audio and Videoconferencing systems. Is there some way to have Zoom running and not have it affect my music playing from my computer? Perform routine maintenance and problem diagnosis for projectors, microphones, speakers, amplifiers, LCD, LED, UC systems.

However, just having Zoom running in the background harms the audio quality in Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud-you name it. I often have Zoom meetings where a couple people are all working simultaneously and checking in every so often, and I like to listen to music when I work.

Zoom mic test