those are in fact, plugs, he wears in his ears. not just earrings that are big and round they're those things that go in your ear, and make them stretch so the hole keeps getting bigger and bigger those are a different set of earrings... in his giant...
I dont think so. i have the same problem with my earrings too. it sucks but you can find some really cute earrings that are nickel free.
At some art places their are courses to make beautiful bead earrings. Your friend will a one-of-a-kind pair, and they cost under $50 for course and supplys.