Pulse audio doesn't store configuration any longer

[udippel]

Since my upgraded from Kubuntu 14.04 to 16.04, my audio settings are not stored properly any longer.
When I reboot, the audio comes through the built-in audio speakers of my Thinkpad. However; I have a screen attached to HDMI (dock) with a better audio device.

With Pulse Audio Volume Control under Configuration, I see that the setting is Analog Surround 4.0.
Then I change to Digital Stereo (HDMI) Output, and the sound comes from my HDMI device.

After each and every reboot, it starts with the Analog Surround Sound 4.0 and from my laptop.
Once I have switched back to HDMI, the tab 'Output Devices' then shows as only available Device HDMI/Display Port (unplugged). It is *not* unplugged, otherwise I couldn't get my sound from my HDMI device, could I?
Reboot and repeat.

This never happened under 14.04.

[Ubuntu Kernel Bot (ubuntu-kernel-bot)]

This bug is missing log files that will aid in diagnosing the problem. While running an Ubuntu kernel (not a mainline or third-party kernel) please enter the following command in a terminal window:

apport-collect 1727515

and then change the status of the bug to 'Confirmed'.

If, due to the nature of the issue you have encountered, you are unable to run this command, please add a comment stating that fact and change the bug status to 'Confirmed'.

This change has been made by an automated script, maintained by the Ubuntu Kernel Team.

[udippel (udippel)]

$ apport-collect 1727515
ERROR: Could not import module, is a package upgrade in progress? Error: No module named PyQt5.QtCore

Since I can't run this command, I follow the suggestion and set to confirmed.

I do attach dmesg, though. The version of pulse-audio is
"pulseaudio 1:8.0-0ubuntu3.4"