AirPods Pro case randomly got stiff to open and hearing cracking noise

I brought AirPods pros just before September and I got got them perfectly fine like expected. I used them quite a lot and still do until today. where I used them like normal, the case and AirPods are in great condition, I charged them and I picked them up again ready to use but when I opened the lid I had to use a lot more force to open it. it seemed the lid was jammed in its position and would only move a 1cm before getting wedged on something, so I used more force and open the case fully but I heard crackling noises whilst doing so ( even when not wedged in a position) , when I open the case every time now Its really stiff to move and doesn't fully close using the magnets, I have to forcefully push the lid to move it open or closed. I brought them but I didnt do apple care with my AirPods. They are well over 3 months old now, I brought them form Curry pc world but im unsure what to do from now. This issue started happening as soon as I noticed. I used the AirPods earlier that day and I did not encounter this issue. this took me by surprise, thy have not been dropped or damaged in the last month or past months.

Is their a fix for the problem or would I have to get a replacement case as both AirPods work great just the charging case giving me issues. AirPods are still usable for now but id hop for a case replacement. ( i still have box and everything included )

many thanks

Luke