A-weighting is a method used to measure sound levels in a way that reflects human hearing sensitivity. It adjusts the frequency response of sound measurements to account for how the human ear perceives different frequencies. Specifically, it reduces the impact of very low and very high frequencies, which are less audible to most people, allowing for a more accurate representation of perceived loudness.
This weighting is commonly applied in various fields, including acoustics, environmental noise assessment, and audio engineering. Instruments that measure sound levels, such as sound level meters, often use A-weighting to provide readings that correlate better with human hearing, making it easier to assess noise pollution and its effects on health.