If you were to wake up and notice sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, DO NOT wait a few days to see if it settles down. This is an emergency and without quick intervention, this symptom can become permanent. Your best course of action is to go to the Hospital Emergency Department immediately. The ER Doctor may need to get your hearing tested. If the doctor deems it necessary, it is important to get treated within 48 Hours. Your hearing is too important to push aside, especially as the Christmas season settles in around us.