What do you mean by "the middle of the small ring"? Are all the problems with the rear shifter, front shifter, or both? Could the rear derailleur be bent from a fall or something? That can cause the chain to be very noisy because things aren't lined up right. Do the these 2 or 3 times a month adjustments fix the problem for any length of time? Could the cable anchor bolt be stripped and the cable slipping?