Are those earplugs? They don't really look like any he's ever seen, but between the guy's last words and where they are, that is the only explanation that makes sense.

"Well, you can still hear me with them in, so they can't be that useful.

Though they are probably a good idea. Maybe they have ones for dogs, too." He's never sure if Emil's hearing is better or worse than his own, but this can't be fun for him, either.