Your distribution would be subject to at least the 10% early-distribution penalty. Whether or not the distribution would be subject to income tax would depend on whether the distribution (plus any other taxable income) exceeded your standard deduction or itemized deduction.
The earliest age that you can withdraw from a traditional IRA without penalty (unless you have another penalty exception) is age 59½. The age-55 exception only applies to distributions from qualified retirement plans like a 401(k) and only if you separate from service in or after the year you reach age 55.
If you are willing to pay the tax and, prior to age 59½, the penalty, you can withdraw from a traditional IRA whenever you want. For a qualified retirement plan, if you have separated from service with the company you can withdraw from the plan whenever you want and pay the tax and penalty.
