A protective case for housing a protected device such as audio earbuds. In some examples the case may include a water-resistant seal to prevent damage to the protected device, an impact-resistant outer housing and/or an impact absorbing inner housing portion. The case may include upper and lower portions hingedly or pivotally coupled to one another. In example applications wherein the protected device includes a hinged container, eccentric or offset hinge axes of the case and the protected device effect a cam or fulcrum action that assists in opening and/or raising the protected device container for ease of access to the protected device when the case is opened.