@matrix There is no need to involve arithmetic, bitwise OR is sufficient.
@matrix The function name is poor, but it's clear what the function does - while that operation left uncommitted is going to confuse those who don't realize that a becomes the left 16 bits and b becomes the right 16 bits.
@Suiseiseki the fuction makes it unclear which number is high or low, while not being able to read the operation is a skill issue
